*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This article is based on extensive research into products, brands and customer feedback. *Pet foods sold or manufactured in the UK may differ to other countries due to regulations and other factors. Always check ingredients and use your own discernment. Indoor cat food is one of the newer additions to specialist diets, but what does this actually mean? More importantly, is it worth paying potentially more money? This isn't one of those "best cat food" articles - let's face it, pet food manufacturers are less than transparent about their recipes. We often have no idea what we're purchasing, even when the ingredient list reads like a novel. Cat food labels can be difficult to understand, leading parents to grab whatever is advertised as the most suitable option for their cat. Food is any living creature's most basic need, so if you're going to invest in something then this should be it. The question is, what are you investing in: quality nutrition or marketing tactic? As an advocate of fresh food for cats, and if it's within your budget, I wholeheartedly recommend it over commercial foods on the basis that it's shown to alleviate most of the issues mentioned in this article and prevent long-term conditions that go unseen. By closely replicating what cats would eat in the wild - also known as a prey-model diet that consists of meat, organs and bone - fresh food companies are worth the investment for happier, healthier cats. Learn more in this informative post: Fresh Raw and Cooked Cat Food: Tailor-Made Nutrition Sent to Your Door! What Is Indoor Cat Food? As a parent of two indoor cats , I've spent a lot of time researching all of the ways to enrich their lives and keep them active. Which isn't to say that just because cats live indoors means they're going to be inactive , although this is often the case. Even energetic cats that have access to outdoor space will move significantly less than if they were able to run free, climb, hunt and explore the wilderness. A sedentary lifestyle leaves more time for sleeping (lack of exercise); eating (obesity/weight gain) and lengthy grooming sessions (hairball formation and vomiting). A sluggish digestive system and sub-par diet can also contribute to those loose, stinky poops that gas the house out! Diets that have been adapted to the requirements of indoor living target three main areas: Weight management. Hairball control. Easy digestion. To further understand how this differs to standard wet or dry food, let's take a look at five brands available in the UK. It's important to note that specialist formulas may have adjusted vitamin and mineral contents, but ingredients will be the focus here. 5 Rated Indoor Cat Foods: Royal Canin Indoor 27 Dry Cat Food Purina ONE Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food (Turkey) IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor Dry Cat Food (Chicken) Kattovit Vital Care Indoor Wet Cat Food (Chicken) Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Gravy Royal Canin Indoor 27 Dry Cat Food Royal Canin is probably most well known for its specialist diets that address specific health issues for cats of all ages and breeds. Amongst their extensive range you'll find wet and dry food that's tailored to support urinary, renal, diabetic, digestive and gastrointestinal health. For this reason, it's highly recommended by vets and considered a premium brand, as reflected in the pricing. However, opinions are mixed on the quality of ingredients. Royal Canin uses a lot of grains and unspecified animal by-products, and the exact nutritional percentages appear to be top secret. Cat food should have minimal grains, if any at all, as they're packed with carbohydrates - exactly what we don't need when tackling or preventing obesity. Benefits Royal Canin Indoor 27 has been specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of indoor cats aged 1-7 years with the following benefits: Reduces stool volume and odour with highly digestible L.I.P proteins. Helps to maintain an ideal weight with moderate fat content. Minimises furball build-up with natural fibres to regulate digestion. Aids urinary tract health with adapted mineral content for an ideal pH value in the urine. Improves dental hygiene by reducing the build-up of tartar. Supports natural immunity with an antioxidant complex and vitamin E. Other varieties of Royal Canin Indoor include 7+, Long Hair and Appetite Control. Ingredients Poultry protein (dried), rice, wheat, maize, vegetable protein isolate*, animal fat, animal protein (hydrolysed), wheat flour, lignocellulose, dried beet pulp, yeast and its derivatives, soya oil, minerals, fructo-oligosaccharides, fish oil, psyllium (seeds and husks: 0.5%). Additives (per kg): NUTRITIONAL: Vitamin A (13,500 IU), vitamin D3 (700 IU), E1 [iron] (42mg), E2 [iodine] (4.2mg), E4 [copper] (13mg), E5 [manganese] (55mg), E6 [zinc] (164mg), E8 [selenium] (0.09mg). TECHNOLOGICAL : Clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources (10g), preservatives, antioxidants. Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 27% Protein: 28.57% Fat: 13% Fat: 13.75% Fibre: 4% Fibre: 4.23% Ash: 7% Ash: 7.40% Moisture: 5.5% Carbohydrates: 46.05% *DMB = Percentages with moisture removed for a more accurate representation. The first red flag here is that the ingredients list tells us very little, so we'll have to work with what we've got. While dried poultry protein is the primary ingredient, the exact percentage is a mystery; and it's followed by a string of grains and vegetables that contribute to the exceedingly high carbohydrate count. I'd expect to see a much lower number for indoor cats, but this could be to make up for the reduced fat as an energy source. Dried beet pulp is often used to boost fibre intake. "Animal fat" and "animal protein" leaves us guessing in regards to the sources, but it's still preferable to plant-based ingredients. Unfortunately, Royal Canin Indoor 27 has the lowest amount of protein (28.57% DMB) across all products mentioned - and a lot of that is cereal. It also contains artificial additives and preservatives. What Customers Say The general customer experience is positive in regards to cats enjoying the taste of food, which could be down to flavour enhancers that are used to make it more palatable. Junk food is as addictive to cats as it is to humans! Some mention that it reduces litter odour and cats have shinier coats. Opinions on digestibility are mixed, with some owners claiming that it caused vomiting and diarrhoea. I definitely wouldn't recommend this for cats that are overweight due to the carbohydrate content. Before I knew anything about feline nutrition, I tried Simba on a few varieties of Royal Canin because it was the only brand he'd eat as a kitten. It did absolutely nothing for his waistline, even with reduced calories, and his poops were hard as bullets. With carbohydrates at a whopping 46.05% - almost half of the total food - Royal Canin should rebrand itself as "Royal Cereal". Royal Canin Indoor 27 is on the pricier side and not always available in supermarkets, thankfully. ✓ Dried poultry protein as the main ingredient. ✕ Rice, wheat and maize as primary ingredients. ✓ Animal fat and fish oil. ✕   High in carbohydrates. ✓ Urinary health. ✕   Contains preservatives. ✕   Expensive. Purina ONE Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food (Turkey) Purina is one of the largest companies in the cat food industry and owns some of the most well-known brands in the UK: Felix, Go-Cat, Gourmet and others. Purina is considered to be mid-to-premium quality, depending on the brand and type of food, as some are made with better ingredients than others. PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets is Purina's line of prescription diets for specific health needs including dental health, urinary care, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues and allergies. Purina's Indoor Formula falls under the Purina ONE brand. From Purina website: " Combining years of pet care innovation from our leading nutritional experts, the PURINA ONE cat food range is prepared with tasty, high-quality ingredients and provides advanced nutrition that helps support your cat's health today and tomorrow .” Benefits Purina ONE Indoor Formula is especially formulated to provide the right balance of nutrients for indoor cats. Turkey is the number one ingredient, a high-quality meat protein source that's light and easy to digest; while Bifensis Dual Defence formula supports a cat's natural defences to keep them healthy from the inside out. A mix of natural fibres makes sure any swallowed hair is easily transported through the digestive system. According to Purina research, their Indoor Formula has been scientifically proven to: Reduce hairball formation by eliminating twice as much hair from the stomach in 14 days. Contributes to firm stools with 24% less odour in 14 days. Other benefits: Maintains lean and healthy muscles due to adapted protein-to-fat ratio. Contains chicory to improve gut microbiome balance and reduce litter box pongs. Supports healthy skin and a glossy coat with omega fatty acids and zinc. Promotes a healthy urinary tract with balanced minerals. Free from artificial additives.   Ingredients Turkey (17%) (including bone, meat, skin), wheat (16%), dried poultry protein, corn, soya meal, wheat gluten, corn protein meal, animal fats, dried beet pulp, dried vegetable fiber, dried chicory root (2%), minerals, digest (with added heat treated Lactobacillus Delbrueckii and Fermentum powder 0.025%), Yeasts. Additives (per kg): NUTRITIONAL : Vitamin A (33500 IU), vitamin D3 (1100 IU), vitamin E (400 IU), vitamin C (140mg), taurine (700mg), iron (II) sulphate monohydrate (Fe: 110), calcium iodate anhydrous (I: 1.7), copper (II) sulphate pentahydrate (Cu: 11), manganous sulphate monohydrate (Mn: 41), zinc sulphate monohydrate (Zn: 100), sodium selenite (Se:0.12), antioxidants. Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 36% Protein: 39.13% Fat: 13% Fat: 14.13% Fibre: 5.5% Fibre: 5.97% Ash: 8% Ash: 8.69% Moisture: 8% Carbohydrates: 32.08% It's always good to see animal protein at the top of an ingredient list, even better with labelled sources of meat and by-products. Turkey makes up 17% of the total food, with an unspecified amount of dried poultry protein. It's disappointing to see soya meal, wheat gluten and corn protein meal as cheap protein substitutes, but at least they're not the first ingredients. This indoor formula contains whole grains, which are more nutritious than refined grains but can be less digestible. However, there are much healthier whole grains than corn - and the rest are refined anyway, so "whole grains" are barely worth mentioning. There are also a few vegetable-based ingredients thrown in, but since the food is tailored to indoor cats, it can help to increase fibre intake. The carbohydrate content is much less than Royal Canin and it has more protein (39.13% DMB) - of which not all is good, but the animal sources appear to be better quality. For a more premium brand, there should be a lot less fillers. What Customers Say Feedback is mostly positive, with customers mentioning that their cats returned to or maintained a healthy weight. Cats seem to enjoy the taste and appreciate the small kibble pieces. It's said to be easy on the stomach and reduces hairballs. Unfortunately, like a lot of specialist diets, customers complain that Purina ONE Indoor Formula is becoming harder to find in stores and is expensive for what it is. ✓   Turkey (bone, meat and skin) as the main ingredient. ✕   Wheat, corn and soya meal as primary ingredients. ✓   Dried poultry protein. ✕   Wheat gluten and corn protein meal. ✓   Animal fat. ✕   High in carbohydrates. ✓   Urinary care and gut health. IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor Dry Cat Food (Chicken) IAMS prides itself on providing tailored nutrition for cats' individual needs by crafting recipes for specific life stages and activity levels. IAMS is more budget-friendly and opinions are mixed on the quality of ingredients. Their range includes IAMS Naturally, which focuses on highly digestible ingredients; IAMS Delights, a variety of rich food that combines high-protein levels and a great taste; and Advanced Nutrition for addressing a cat's specific requirements. Benefits IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor Cat Food (1+ years) is tailored for indoor cats to help with litter odour, hairballs and weight control. Food is wheat-free and made with 88% animal protein * of the total protein value , including fresh chicken; and selected plant and animal ingredients. It's enriched with omega fatty acids, prebiotics to support digestion and antioxidants for a healthy immune system. Other benefits: Helps to maintain a lean and healthy body condition. Supports digestion and prevents hairballs with insoluble fibre that binds to the hair to help it pass through the system. Reduces stool odour with yucca. No fillers, artificial colours, flavours or GMOs. Ingredients Dried chicken and turkey (39%, of which 23% chicken, a natural source of taurine), maize, fresh chicken (10%), millet, dried sugar beet pulp (4.3%), cellulose powder (4.3%), pork fat, chicken sauce, fructo-oligosaccharides (0.68%), fish oil, potassium chloride, yucca (0.025%). Additives (per kg): NUTRITIONAL : Vitamin A (50,000 IU), vitamin D3 (1438 IU), vitamin E (124mg), copper [as cupric sulphate pentahydrate] (7mg), iodine [as potassium iodide] (0.9mg), manganese [as manganous sulphate monohydrate] (32mg), zinc [as zinc oxide] (80mg). Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 36.5% Protein: 39.67% Fat: 12% Fat: 13.04% Fibre: 6.9% Fibre: 7.5% Ash: 6.4% Ash: 6.95% Moisture: 8% Carbohydrates: 32.84% Interestingly, the protein content (39.67% DMB) is higher than both Purina and Royal Canin. As described, 88% of that value is animal-based - not 88% of the total food - and includes some fresh chicken. Dried chicken and turkey are the main ingredients at 39%, and with 10% fresh chicken on top of that, almost half of the food is meat. By comparison, Purina has 17% turkey and some dried poultry protein; while Royal Canin contains an unknown percentage of dried poultry protein. IAMS also has more fibre and less fat, with a carbohydrate content of 32.84% DMB - only slightly more than Purina. What lets it down for me is maize as the second ingredient, which is just another word for corn. Overall, it would seem as though this product ticks more boxes than its dry food competitors - all at a lower cost. There's no saying whether the meat in IAMS is better or worse quality than others mentioned, and it doesn't seem to target urinary health. However, this wheat-free recipe has minimal grains (despite the "no fillers" claim) and no artificial colours or preservatives. What Customers Say Feedback is generally very positive, with many customers using IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor as a more affordable alternative to premium brands. Even fussy cats love the taste, and noticeable health benefits include shinier coats and full tummies with less regular feeding. Opinions are mixed on stomach sensitivity to this food. ✓   Dried chicken and turkey as the main ingredients. ✕   Maize and millet as primary ingredients. ✓   10% fresh chicken. ✓   Pork fat and fish oil. ✓   Contains prebiotics. ✓   No artificial colours, flavours or GMOs. Kattovit Vital Care Indoor Wet Cat Food (Chicken) Kattovit is a less well-known brand in the UK, and one you're unlikely to find in local stores. The family-run business is based in Germany and has over 40 years experience in the production of high-quality animal feed without unnecessary additives. Every recipe has to pass through the critical palates of their own cats to ensure that products combine nutrition with a great taste. Kattovit doesn't provide a huge range of cat food but offers both wet and dry options. Specialist diets are available for a variety of health issues, and their new Vital Care range provides nutrient-rich food for every day care. Varieties include Hair & Skin, Digestive, Sterilised, Anti-Hairball and Indoor. Benefits Kattovit Vital Care Indoor with Chicken has been specially created for indoor cats and is characterised by a low-fat content (4%) which helps cats to maintain optimal weight. It has a balanced recipe with all of the vital nutrients and highly digestible ingredients that support your cat's normal metabolism. Other benefits: Balanced formula with vitamins and minerals. Source of taurine for normal vision and cardiac function. Tender pieces of tasty chicken served in a delicious sauce Pre-portioned meals. Ingredients *Analytical constituents of wet food will differ from dry food as they're smaller portions and contain a higher moisture content. For a fairer comparison, please refer to "dry matter basis" charts where percentages are calculated and shown with the moisture removed. Meat and animal by-products (incl. 24% chicken), vegetable by-products, oils and fats, minerals. Additives: NUTRITIONAL: Vitamin A (1.040 IU/kg), vitamin D3 (125 IU/kg), vitamin E [as all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate] (20 mg/kg), iron [as iron(II) sulphate, monohydrate] (40 mg/kg), Zinc [as zinc oxide] (28 mg/kg), Copper [as copper (II) sulphate, pentahydrate] (1.2 mg/kg), Manganese [as manganese (II) sulphate] (1 mg/kg), Iodine [as potassium iodide] (0.6 mg/kg), Taurine (1.000 mg/kg), L-carnitine (50 mg/kg). Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 8% Protein: 44.44% Fat: 4% Fat: 22.22% Fibre: 0.5% Fibre: 2.77% Ash: 1.5% Ash: 8.33% Moisture: 82% Carbohydrates: 22.24% The main issue with Kattovit is those unspecified by-products, as we have no idea which parts of animals are going into the recipe - apart from 24% chicken in this particular food. We can also see an increase in the total protein value (44.44% DMB) in comparison to kibble. Naturally, wet food has less fibre than dry food due to less fillers (grains and vegetables) which isn't a bad thing. Plus, the higher moisture content is essential for preventing constipation, aiding urinary health and other issues that indoor cats face. It still contains more fibre than a standard wet food pouch. You'll also notice that it has significantly less carbohydrates than dry food, which is a major benefit. This means the fat content is higher, but for a product that's advertised as being low-fat, it's surprisingly higher than competitors. The source of fat is unknown. What Customers Say As this product is part of Kattovit's new Vital Care range, there isn't a lot of feedback to go off; however, their specialist foods are generally well-received by customers, particularly regarding value for money. I have tried their urinary food with Drax, and while he wasn't keen on the taste, it was tolerated by his sensitive stomach. Availability is extremely limited which can lead to high import costs. The best place to purchase Kattovit in the UK is zooplus where it comes in a little cheaper than similar brands. This may be due to a dip in quality, since the meat is a little more rubbery than what I'm used to. Nevertheless, with such a small selection of indoor cat foods across the UK, it's a good cost-cutting option. ✓  Meat as the main ingredient. ✕   Unspecified by-products, fats and oils. ✓  High protein and moisture content. ✕   Higher fat content than other brands. ✓  24% chicken. Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Gravy The wet version of Royal Canin's indoor cat food is available as chunks in gravy or jelly. It's described as a complete wet food for sterilised indoor cats over the age of one year. Benefits Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Gravy has been specially developed to help cats maintain a healthy weight and support a sluggish digestive system. It also supports urinary health. Tender meaty chunks in a delicious gravy to improve fluid intake. Supports the urinary tract with a tailored mineral content. Contains L-carnitine to boost fat metabolism. Ingredients Meat and animal by-products, grains, vegetable by-products, minerals, oils and fats, yeasts. Additives: NUTRITIONAL: Vitamin D3 (50 IU), iron (2mg), iodine (0.28mg), copper (2.2mg), manganese (0.8mg), zinc (8mg). TECHNOLOGICAL: Clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources (2g). Analytical Constituents Dry Matter Basis Protein: 9.7% Protein: 50% Fat: 3.3% Fat: 17.01% Fibre: 0.9% Fibre: 4.63% Ash: 1.8% Ash: 9.27% Moisture: 80.6% Carbohydrates: 19.09% Unfortunately, Royal Canin is no more transparent about the ingredients used in this product than the dry food variety. Sources of meat, by-products and vegetables are unavailable, and it contains grains as the second ingredient. The only real comparison we have to other brands are the analytical constituents. As you can see from the chart, this wet food has the highest amount of protein and the lowest amount of carbohydrates. It also contains less fat than Kattovit, but does this mean it's the better option? Personally, I struggle to forgive Royal Canin for their lack of transparency regarding meat sourcing. While it's preferable to their dry food, I can't recommend a product when I have no idea what that product is made from. It makes me appreciate Kattovit's 24% chicken a whole lot more! Transparency can add a lot of value to brands, and we shouldn't have to go searching for answers to simple questions. What Customers Say Cats seem to enjoy the taste of Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Gravy, and it's reported to be well tolerated by fussy eaters and sensitive stomachs. The price comes up again as an issue for some, and it's not as easy to find in stores as the dry food version. ✓  Meat as the main ingredient. ✕   Mysterious meat source. ✓  High protein and moisture content. ✕   Unspecified by-products, fats and oils. ✓ Less carbohydrates than other brands. ✕   Contains grains. ✓ Urinary health. ✕   Expensive. Summary In regards to the original question: are indoor cat foods worth paying more for? Evidence suggests not! Of course, these are just a few examples. I understand there's a lot more variety depending on region but, hopefully, this article gives some idea of what to look for if you've been scratching your head and are determined to feed your cat an indoor recipe. The only product I'm moderately satisfied with from this list is IAMS Advanced Nutrition Indoor which, ironically, is the budget-friendly option. Price doesn't always reflect quality. Even so, dry foods are not the best option for indoor cats - or any cat, for that matter - which you can read more about here: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats ? Below are some tips for selecting an appropriate diet and caring for indoor cats. Unless your vet has prescribed a urinary diet or your cat is prone to stones, infections and such, the high moisture in wet food should help to maintain urinary tract health. Grains have also been associated with feline lower urinary tract disease, which are more prevalent in kibble. Ingredients and ingredient quality are more important for keeping cats healthy than the claims made on food packaging. Low fat doesn't necessarily mean low carbohydrates, and high protein doesn't always refer to meat. There's no excuse for not exercising your cat with a variety of toys and enrichment . Activity is just as important as diet for weight and/or hairball control, and playing with your cat will cost you nothing but time. Regular grooming is essential for reducing hairballs, along with a diet high in fibre. Cat poos shouldn't stink out your house like a sewer, and there's nothing special about expensive food that claims to reduce stool odour. If your vet has ruled out illness or disease, this is simply the result of a poor diet. Visit As mentioned at the beginning of this article, rather than paying extortionate prices for processed junk, you may be better using that investment on a fresh food company. Alternatively, you could make your own homemade recipes (formulated by a veterinary nutritionist) which can be raw or cooked. If your budget doesn't stretch that far or you're not comfortable with the homemade option, you can start by introducing fresh food into your cat's diet a few times a week and supplement the rest with a high-quality wet food. That way, you're saving costs while ensuring they get a healthy dose of meaty goodness. *If you're unsure of what to feed your cat or want to make sure that switching diets is safe then I recommend seeking veterinary advice. Some diets may not be suitable for cats with certain health conditions, particularly in the case of raw food. Information is accurate from June 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Do you have an indoor kitty? Have you considered food that's tailored for indoor cats or do you think it's nothing more than a marketing tactic? Share your thoughts in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. As more cats are being confined to indoor life , pet parents are searching for new and innovative ways to offer their fur babies access to fresh air and exercise, while keeping them safe from potential dangers. Outdoor enclosures such as catios and cat-proof fencing are all great options, but they're not suitable for every household. Apartment living, budget, space and other factors can be very limiting when it comes to letting cats experience the sights and smells of outdoors. Walking a cat might seem like a good alternative, but before you rush off to buy your first harness, you should take a moment to consider how cats really feel about this. In this article: Is It Cruel to Walk a Cat? How to Safely Walk a Cat Choosing the Right Harness Harness Training for Cats Summary Is It Cruel to Walk a Cat? Cats are not dogs and shouldn't be treated as such. As any parent will know, cats value their independence and don't like being restrained for long periods of time - with the rare exception, of course! Many organisations, including Cats Protection and Blue Cross , don't recommend walking cats - and there are some very good reasons for this. Territory   We say it all the time here: a cat's territorial nature is one of their strongest and oldest survival instincts, traced back to wild ancestors who needed to defend their territory to survive. Removing a cat from its home into an unfamiliar territory, with no access to a safe place, puts them in a vulnerable position that can create a lot of stress and panic. Fear A cat's first response to danger is to flee, and if they escape a harness or you drop the lead then - unlike dogs - they probably won't return. This poses the risk of running into traffic and other threats or harming themselves, so it's crucial that you use the right type of harness with a proper fit. Collars with leashes can be very dangerous for cats, for very obvious reasons. Dogs There are many dangers in the outside world that cats would rather avoid: traffic, loud noises, people and of course, dogs. Dogs are typically much larger than cats and will bark or chase when excited. With no option to run away, a frightened cat may well turn aggressive - which isn't good for anyone, including their human guardian. Toileting Cats can be very poop -ticular about their toileting habits, preferring privacy and familiarity. They also like to dig and bury, as you'll no doubt have heard with the persistent scraping of the litterbox and surrounding walls at 3 a.m. Toileting is somewhat of a ritual for cats, as in the wild they cover their poop to hide their scent from predators. Moreover, cats are very clean - or at least, they try to be - so defecating on the street isn't ideal. This is something we should be able to resonate with as humans - take away public bathrooms and we'd be in a potty crisis. All of these factors may put a cat off toileting, which can further lead to stress, discomfort and serious health conditions. Taking everything into consideration, we need to recognise that cats have specific needs and each case should be judged on an individual basis. If your kitty enjoys being walked on a leash, is properly harness trained and you act responsibly, then there's no reason why it should be considered as cruel. In fact, it has the potential to be a very uplifting and rewarding bonding experience between cats and their guardians. How to Safely Walk a Cat Now that we've covered some of the disadvantages or negatives of walking a cat, let's look at precautions you can take to help improve the experience. As a responsible pet parent, these guidelines should be followed regardless of whether you're considering using a harness or letting your kitty roam free. Visit Microchipping and Vaccinations All cats should be microchipped before letting them outside so they have a better chance of being tracked down in case they go missing. They should be up to date with vaccinations to protect them from diseases and parasites. This also applies to indoor cats as there's always a risk of escape - as is the curious nature of our feline friends! Related post: 11 Essential Tips Every New Cat Owner Should Know Kittens Kittens shouldn't be allowed outside until 5-6 months old; this gives plenty of time for neutering or spaying to prevent unplanned pregnancy. By this age, cats are almost fully-grown and have developed the necessary skills and instincts to explore their surroundings. This is the best age to begin harness training, as you can utilise a kitten's curious nature and boundless energy so it becomes a natural part of growing up. Temperament It might seem like common sense, but the temperament and personality of any individual cat is one of the most important factors. A placid or sociable kitty that's comfortable around large groups of people may be more suited to going on walks than a nervous or skittish cat that has a tendency to hide. The same could be said for cats that are already accustomed to being outdoors; however, if they're used to roaming free then they might not appreciate the restrictions imposed by a harness. If you have access to lots of green space, this will be less intrusive on a kitty's senses than built-up towns and cities. Even brave cats might be cautious when introduced to a new environment, but that's not to say all would struggle with city life. There are plenty of "kitty influencers" strutting their stuff on social media - backpacking with cats seems to be a growing trend for felines that were born to explore. Remember, the internet is a far cry from your average cat. What suits one won't necessarily suit another, no matter how much you want to increase your social following. Choosing the Right Harness As discussed in this post on preparing cats for a vet visit , the process for introducing a cat to a harness isn't so different from a carrier. The first step is choosing the most suitable style for your fur baby. Collars are simply not safe for cats and, in fact, I'd say the same about dogs. It pains me to see any animal being "walked" by the neck as it's such a delicate area, and it wouldn't take much for a powerful dog or frightened cat to choke itself. A harness ensures the pressure is absorbed by the animal's shoulders and chest. Collars should be used for identification purposes only, especially since there are some great walking options for the modern pet. Sizing and Measurements Harnesses come in different sizes and many are adjustable to some degree, but you still need to measure your cat for the perfect fit. If it's too big then kitty might escape, while a small or tight harness can cause chafing, difficulty breathing and affect a cat's ability to walk. It should have a snug fit without being restrictive; ideally, you should be able to fit two fingers underneath the harness while your cat is wearing it. It's crucial to follow the manufacturers' guidelines for getting an accurate measurement or refer to the product size chart, if applicable. Most rely on a combination of neck and chest girth (behind the armpits and below the shoulder blades) but this can vary. Some harnesses go off a cat's weight, which in my experience isn't helpful because cats come in all shapes and sizes. The measuring tape should be fairly taut around a cat's body, taking into account their thick fur. This can be easy or difficult depending on your cat, but it also gives a good idea of whether they're likely to tolerate a harness in the first place. Nevertheless, it might help to use treats or petting as a distraction; or alternatively, get someone to gently secure kitty for a few moments. As mentioned, most harnesses are adjustable so you won't need an exact number. If your cat is in between sizes then it's best to go with the larger one to see if it fits, or choose a different harness with a closer size to what you need. Reviews can be helpful in giving some idea of whether products come smaller or larger than advertised, as well as comparing how they fit other cats against your own. Here are some more factors to consider when choosing the right size harness: Long-haired cats may need a size up from their actual body measurements to account for their thick fluffy coats. If walking an obese cat for exercise, you might have to downsize as it loses weight or adjust the straps onto a tighter setting. Obese cats can be difficult to measure as their bodies aren't always in proportion (for example, a large torso and small or normal-sized neck). Similarly, kittens will need upsizing as they grow so harnesses don't become tight or restrictive . Style When it comes to style, we're not talking about cute designs and cool kitties - although there are some adorable harnesses out there. From pink princesses to rockin' skull and crossbones, there really is something for everyone - but this won't stop an adventurous kitty from trying to wriggle out of it. What you should be looking for is comfort, safety and durability. There are several different types of harnesses, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular ones include: H-style: forms an "H" shape around the body with two straps that fasten around the neck and chest, and a strip between the shoulders for a leash to clip onto. These are lightweight but flimsy and tend to slip. Y-style: similar to H-style but the upper strap sits further back on the shoulders. Not as secure as an H-harness but safer for energetic cats that run or jump. Vest: fits around the torso for a snug fit and fastens at the back with clasps and a D-ring for attaching a leash. These are more secure but heavier and restrictive on a cat's body. Jacket: provides extra warmth in colder climates and covers most of a cat's back and sides. These are fairly new in terms of availability and not all cats will tolerate them. Looking for the perfect harness for your kitty? Check out these top recommendations: Best Harnesses for Cats and Kittens Harness Training for Cats Harness training doesn't - and shouldn't - come with a time limit as every cat is different. If you're lucky enough to be able to slap on a harness and skip out of the front door, that's great, but cats still need to learn how to be walked. That is, understanding that they can't go off and do their own cat-thing. Strolling down a quiet residential street is one thing, but what happens when a double-decker bus or screeching motorbike comes flying around the corner? You need to prepare kitty for the sights, sounds, threats and dangers of outdoor life. Baby steps is probably an understatement when it comes to harness training. In fact, it's not uncommon for cats to exhibit infant-like behaviour when wearing a harness for the first time: flopping onto their sides, refusing to move, commando crawling or attempting to "reverse" out of the harness are all completely normal reactions. However, there are a few essential steps that must be taken before putting a harness anywhere near your cat. FAYOGOO Cat Harness and Lead Set provides extra comfort with soft, breathable air mesh padding for walking in all seasons. Features a Velcro fastening with safety buckle for double security and reflective strips. Multiple colours available. 1. Scent I don't know about your feline fur babies, but if I approach mine carrying something they've never seen before, they generally don't stick around to find out what it is. Cats might be curious but they're not stupid! By all means, if you think your kitty will be interested then you can offer the harness for inspection. Otherwise, leave it somewhere they'll find it themselves, such as on the floor or near their toys. I wouldn't recommend putting it on beds or sleeping areas as some cats might see this as an invasion of their safe space. Visit I once (accidentally) left a dusting cloth on Simba's cat tree thinking it was no cause for alarm. Unbeknown to him, when he went to jump onto his bed, he spotted the cloth last minute and ended up flying an extra two feet in the air. It's hard not to chuckle, but it was a fair while before he used the cat tree again. Nevertheless, cats being cats, everything must be inspected and approved so it shouldn't be long before the harness is marked as safe. When cats rub their faces and mouths on things, they're using their pheromones to scent them as a familiar object. Now when you approach them with the harness, they'll recognise the smell and it becomes a lot less scary. 2. Wearing a Harness Don't expect your kitty to love its new harness - in fact, you should expect them to hate it. It's all well and good watching how-to videos with docile cats that look as if they've had one too many sherries, but this isn't the norm. The type of harness you're using will determine how easy or difficult it is to put on. H-style harnesses will require keeping cats still while you slide it over their head and adjust the straps to the right length. With a vest, you can simply lay it out on the floor and line up kitty's front paws with the two holes, then slide it up their arms and clip it shut at the back. This is the method I used for both cats: Drax was a one-woman job but, of course, Simba required an extra pair of hands. Reactions will vary from cat to cat, and some can be rather dramatic as I later discovered. If cats are squirming, crying, panting or struggling to get away, then stop what you're doing and let them go. Forcing a cat into a harness is counterproductive because they'll associate it with a negative experience before they've even stepped outside. To aid the process, you can lightly spritz the harness with a calming spray or go over it with a wipe.  Pet Remedy   have some great options, and Feliway's pheromone spray has the advantage of mimicking those trusty scent glands we spoke about earlier. Related post: Feliway Reviews: Classic, Optimum and Friends Diffuser Comparison Pet Remedy Calming Spray provides a natural way of tackling stress and anxiety in cats, dogs and other small animals. It contains a blend of valerian and essential oils and can be sprayed on bedding, blankets and carriers prior to a vet visit. If your cat doesn't take to wearing a harness on the first attempt, leave it a day or so before trying again. This can be a lengthy process in itself, but patience is the best way of getting the desired results - with plenty of rewards to build those positive associations. Treats should be given immediately after putting on and taking off the harness. Once your cat is familiar with this process, leave the harness on for a few minutes at a time until it's comfortable walking and moving around. You can offer treats periodically to reward or distract, if necessary. You could also try playing with kitty's favourite toy to practice a range of different motions. This will show if the harness is too loose or too tight, and if you need to make any adjustments. Again, this could take anything from minutes to hours, days, weeks - or in the case of my boys, never! I wasn't expecting miracles, given that we all know how skittish my fluffballs are. Let's just say their reactions were clear enough to tell me that it wasn't going to happen. It's disappointing, but some kitties simply aren't made for being walked and this should be respected at all costs. 3. Taking Cats Outside You should get cats used to walking on a leash around the house before taking them outside so they know how it feels. That's not to say you should be tugging or pulling a cat around, but there may be instances where you have to manoeuvre them for safety reasons. This can be a rather jarring sensation, so it's best to let cats take the lead while you remain a few paces behind. Given what we already know about felines, they'd much rather believe that they were walking their owners than the other way around! More importantly, walking in front of a cat is more likely to pull on the harness, which could result in it sliding over their small heads. If you notice your kitty trying to reverse out of its harness, rest assured that it knows exactly what it's doing! A lot of products claim to be "escape proof" and, while the correct size and proper fitting will help, nothing is guaranteed. Since cats like to explore solo, hovering or lurking over them can be off-putting. It's essential that you give them space while being close enough to step in if necessary. Some experts advise attaching a leash and letting the cat drag it around. To me, it isn't worth the risk of it getting caught, tangled or wrapped around the cat's body and could potentially undo all of your hard work. This is particularly dangerous if kitty freaks out and bolts off like the Tasmanian Devil - which I've witnessed with my own eyes - and the last thing you want is a leash trailing along behind them. Before letting cats loose on the street, if you have a garden or yard then it's best to start small and familiar. Open the door and let kitty venture out in its own time without straying too far from the house, so if it becomes overwhelmed then it can quickly retreat indoors. If you live in an apartment, you can take a short walk around the building or complex. It might be beneficial to practice picking your cat up while it's wearing a harness, which you may well have to do in order to evade sudden or unexpected threats, such as barking dogs. Just five minutes of fresh air is enough for a first experience, gradually increasing duration over the following days. Nervous cats might need a bit of enticing, and one idea is to leave a trail of treats to "breadcrumb" them into stepping outside. Once you think they've built up enough confidence, it's time to go on your first walk together! Choose a quiet, dry day so cats get a positive first experience, and make sure it's not during rush hour so traffic is at a minimum. Remember too that cats are creatures of routine, so scheduling a particular time of the day will help them to anticipate their walk. Before feeding is ideal so they're coming home to a big tasty meal - the more rewards, the better. Go a little further each time, starting by walking up and down the street, then around the block and so on. If kitty seems more comfortable staying within the boundaries of the home or garden, that's fine too. They can still benefit greatly from the fresh air, exercise and enrichment that an outdoor environment has to offer - without posing a threat to wildlife, which is a bonus. Some areas or neighbourhoods will be less suitable for walking cats than others. Main roads should be avoided wherever possible, and city centres or public transport are for experienced explorers only. If you want to travel further out, such as to a wooded area, then taking cats on short car journeys will help them get used to driving. They should be confined to a carrier for their own safety as well as yours, in case you're unfortunate enough to be involved in a traffic accident. You might want to take a collapsible carrier or basket with you on longer walks as a safety measure. That way, if your cat gets stressed or frightened then you can secure them to avoid unnecessary trauma. Remember to familiarise cats with any new enclosures using the steps outlined in preparing cats for a vet visit . Pecute Cat Backpack Carrier is built with a sturdy frame, scratch and wear-resistant materials; and mesh windows to ensure ventilation. The multi-functional design allows it to be worn in three different ways. Summary As mentioned at the beginning of this article, a lot of animal organisations do not recommend letting cats outdoors under any circumstances - that is, outside of a garden or yard. However, there's also a lot of information on how to travel with cats as safely as possible. We have to appreciate that every cat is unique with his or her own requirements. Personally, I'm for anything that can help to improve an animal's health and wellbeing. That includes taking all of the necessary precautions and following the essential guidelines as described in this article. You're responsible for the safety of your cat and should monitor their stress levels at every stage of training and walking - that means slowing down or even stopping at the first sign of distress. Mentioned Products Feliway Classic Spray Pet Backpack Carrier Got a question that hasn't been covered? Get in touch or comment to share any tips and ticks of your own for training or walking cats.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. As with most prey animals, cats tend to hide their pain and signs of stress can be very subtle. This is an evolutionary trait that reduces the chance of being an easy target for predators. Domestication has changed animals in a lot of ways, but survival instinct is second nature to our pets. This is especially true for cats, whose complex behaviours are deeply rooted in their evolutionary history. Cats can become stressed for an abundance of reasons, and what triggers one cat may not bother another. Just like people, some are more sensitive or prone to developing chronic stress than others. This depends on genetic factors, such as a mother cat being stressed during pregnancy; learning from previous experiences; environment and emotions. Situations that put cats at a behavioural disadvantage include lack of socialisation in the developmental stage of kittenhood; feral cats that have never experienced life in a domestic setting and hand-rears. Research has also shown that certain breeds are more likely to exhibit stress-related behaviours than others. In this article: Signs of Stress in Cats Causes of Stress Treatment Cat Calming Products Summary Signs of Stress in Cats When my old Persian, George, started peeing on a beanbag and escaping from the garden, it was a clear sign that something was amiss. Sure enough, he was diagnosed with bladder stones and had been concealing his discomfort a long time before showing any physical symptoms. To make things worse, he became severely depressed and, naturally, I blamed myself - even though I couldn't possibly have known any sooner. While George's stress and its related behaviours were a result of pain, it's also possible for stress to be the cause of certain conditions. One of the most common examples being stress-induced cystitis, which is a defect in the way that cats handle stress; although the exact cause remains a mystery. Signs of cystitis include urinating outside the litter tray, peeing frequently or in small amounts and straining or crying while toileting. Cats may also experience digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea in periods of increased stress or anxiety. In the table below are some other signs and symptoms of stress. Behavioural Body Language Scratching or clawing furniture. Wide eyes with large, dilated pupils. Excessive meowing or crying. Whiskers perked forwards. Urine spraying. Ears pointing to the back or sides of the head (airplane ears). Hiding. Tail tucked under or curled tightly around the body. Fear and nervousness. Tensed body held low to the ground. Extreme vigilance. Fluffed up fur. Overgrooming. Yowling. Loss of appetite or overeating. Being quiet and withdrawn. Lethargy. Self-mutilation. Aggression or fighting with other cats. It's important not to mistake a cat in distress for one that's being naughty, as it might seem as though your cat is acting out for attention. If destructive behaviour is sudden and out of character then a trip to the vets is the best thing you can do for them. Related post: How to Prepare Cats for a Vet Visit and Reduce Stress More acute signs of stress are easier to spot and are usually triggered by an unexpected or frightening incident, such as fireworks. Animals can suffer heart attacks in extreme cases, so if you notice any of these things then it's crucial to act quickly to remove or reduce the stressor. I f cats don't want to be handled then give them some space or you could escalate things . Crouched on all fours with a hunched, rigid posture. Shaking, hissing, growling or drooling. Excessive crying. Rapid breathing or panting. Involuntary peeing or pooping. Immobility. Lip smacking. Pet Remedy Calming Spray provides a natural way of tackling stress and anxiety in cats, dogs and other small animals. It contains a blend of valerian and essential oils and can be sprayed on bedding, blankets and carriers prior to a vet visit. Lip smacking isn't often mentioned as a sign of anxiety, but having witnessed it myself before knowing what it was, it's worth exploring just in case. This is when cats move their mouths and it makes a "smacking" sound when their lips come together, sometimes accompanied by a flicking tongue. Most of the time it's considered normal behaviour such as after a meal, anticipating a tasty snack or while sleeping. If it's happening frequently or with other symptoms then it can indicate dental problems, digestive issues and the big one: stress. Cats might lip smack to help calm themselves down or relieve anxiety. Visit This is known as displacement behaviour, which means they try to distract themselves by doing something that seems out of context. Other examples of this behaviour are overgrooming and tail chasing, which could simply be a result of overstimulation! When I first saw Drax lip smacking, I thought he was choking or about to vomit, but I later learned that it was a reaction to the ongoing conflict with his brother. In many cases, lip smacking stopped him from retaliating; so regardless of how irrelevant it seems, there are some clear benefits. Causes of Stress If cats have been examined by a vet and there are no underlying health concerns, then we need to rule out environmental factors. Changes to Routine If there's one thing cats hate, it has to be change! This is particularly true regarding their environment, and some possible triggers include: Moving house. Renovations or building work. New people, babies or pets. Cats take a lot of time mapping out their environments, both visually and by using the scent glands on their faces and bodies - yes, that includes clawing furniture or carpets (to a degree). These are normal behaviours, so if your cat starts scratching more than usual - or spraying as a form of scent marking - then it's probably trying to tell you something. New furniture, new people and new environments all come with a flurry of new smells, which can be a huge knock to a cat's confidence and security. Their strong survival instinct means they're constantly looking for and assessing danger, so routine and predictability can help massively with stress. Cats learn from past experiences, and familiarity equals safety. If moving to a new home, ensure cats have some of their old bedding, toys, litter trays and other resources as a familiar object. Cat Cube House is unique and versatile, made from easy to clean plastic material with a free mat. Can be attached to other cubes and reconfigured in many styles to create a fun and dynamic kitty playground. Available in multiple colours. New Pets, People or Babies If there's a new kid on the block, there's a good chance that cats are going to view them as an intruder, so don't be surprised if they act unusually fearful or aggressive . Just having guests over for dinner can upset a nervous kitty, and providing a safe room away from the noise goes a long way in reducing anxiety. It's also possible that a stray or neighbourhood cat could be bringing problems into the home if, for example, it's spotted in the garden or urine spraying near the house. Related post: How to Stop Cats Spraying and Urine Marking Outside Your Home with 8 Tips Cats don't need to see an intruder to pick up on its scent, a problem I've encountered with my own boys that led to an unpleasant case of redirected aggression .  Introducing new pets or people should be done gradually and by following the same strategy as outlined in the separation and reintroduction process . Visit Fear Cats can and will lash out at the nearest thing if they feel threatened, whether it's a bellowing rumble of thunder or the local stray doing a " Here's Johnny! " at the window. Adrenaline can take hours, days or sometimes longer to leave the system, during which time your kitty might be extra skittish or hide more than usual. Fear could also be a result of past experiences, such as trauma or abuse. The earlier the stimuli can be identified and removed, the better the outlook. Remember too that cats don't perceive love in the same way that humans do, so don't make the mistake of smothering your kitty with unwanted attention. Lack of Resources Cats are solitary creatures in the wild and not used to sharing a territory. This is one of the main causes of stress in multi-cat homes, so providing more resources than the amount of cats allows for less encounters and therefore less squabbling - in theory. Experts recommend one resource per cat, plus one extra: for example, if you have two cats then there should be three litter trays. Other vital resources include food and water stations, beds , cat trees, scratch posts and toys . Related post: Small Cat Tree Stands and Towers for All Cats (Tried and Tested) Resource placement is also important; something as simple as putting food bowls in high traffic areas can scare cats off wanting to eat. Both of my boys are nervous Nellies, but Drax in particular developed a habit of spinning around whenever he heard a noise that put him off drinking - which was as annoying for me as I'm sure it was for him! PawPoll Wireless Cat Water Fountain is a large-capacity, stainless steel fountain that can be placed anywhere in the home. It has a quadruple filtration system and three flow modes: sensor, timer and continuous. Switching out water bowls for cat fountains worked wonders, perhaps due to the distraction of running water or the trickling sound helped to drown out (pardon the pun) the creaks and squeaks of an old house. Either way, cats require privacy and that includes time away from their human guardians. The desire to poop in private isn't such a strange concept, is it? Bullying from Other Cats Bullying can happen for any number of reasons, some of which have already been mentioned. Squabbling over resources, territorial disputes, establishing hierarchies and picking on weaker or timid cats just because they can. Unfortunately, some cats simply don't get along with other cats, and if aggression is severe then the best option is to rehome or apply the separation and reintroduction process . Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats Illness or Disease As mentioned, any kind of physical pain, illness or condition can trigger an emotional response. The only way to rule out medical issues is to get a health check-up. Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), dental problems and arthritic pain are all common causes of stress. A stressed body is also more susceptible to illness due to suppression of the immune system, as touched on earlier. Anxiety has been linked to certain cancers, heart disease, hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, hyperglycaemia, upper respiratory tract infection, reproductive failure and allergies. Boredom Lack of stimulation can have a detrimental effect on emotional wellbeing as well as physical health. Just as with humans, an active mind improves brain function and helps to keep anxiety away. Cats are curious souls that love to explore and interact with their environment. Burning off excess energy also reduces stress, behavioural problems and conflict between household cats. Resources extend to toys and games, food puzzles, climbing areas, scratch mats and other forms of   enrichment   so cats can exhibit normal behaviour patterns. Related post: Silvervine vs Catnip: Which Is Best for Cats? Loss of a Companion There's no way of knowing how a cat will react when it loses a companion, and even bonded cats may seem unaffected by death. Keeping a watchful eye on any behavioural changes will help to understand their emotional state: loss of appetite, restlessness, sleeping more, excessive meowing or crying, clinginess and staring into space rather than engaging in usual activities. We don't know if cats feel grief in the same way as humans, but offering extra attention can help to reassure and distract a mourning kitty. Zylkene Supplements for Cats contain alpha-casozepine, a natural milk protein with clinically proven calming effects. Helps to reduce fear-based stress and anxiety caused by challenging situations including changes to the home, travelling and fireworks. Treatment Getting your kitty booked in for a health check-up at a veterinary clinic should be top priority in cases of behavioural changes, even if they don't seem to be in any physical pain. Keeping a record of your cat's behaviour will give your vet a clearer picture of its symptoms, which will help to understand its emotions and possible causes. Further tests may be required for a diagnosis and treatment will depend on the results. If stress is due to an underlying medical condition, treatment could include medication or dietary changes, such as urinary food to combat FLUTD. Home-based treatments might involve making changes to a cat's environment. Referral to a behaviourist for further advice and behavioural training. Calming products such as sprays and diffusers . Cat Calming Products With an abundance of calming products on the market, it's hard to know where to start; however, this shows that stress and anxiety are commonplace in the domestic cat. According to KBV Research , the global Pet Calming Products Market is expected to reach $20.6 billion by 2028, which is an annual market growth of 5.6%. Meanwhile, the Cat Calming Food Market was valued at $500 million in 2024. Shop Pet Furniture → Some of the most popular products include  plug-in diffusers and sprays that contain feline pheromones or essential oils. Feliway and Pet Remedy are leading brands in the pet calming market, and while they have different methods of targeting stress, both aim to reduce most of the associated behaviours as listed at the beginning of this article. In fact, users of Feliway Classic - the brand's original pheromone diffuser - reported a reduction in urine marking in 9 out of 10 cats, with over 40,000 reviews on Amazon. Also available are calming spot-ons, collars, supplements and herbal treats. Some pet food brands that cater to prescription diets formulate calming food with special ingredients and tailored nutrition - at a price. Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) Feliway Optimum plug-in diffuser contains a new pheromone complex for enhanced serenity. It helps to solve common signs of stress including spraying, scratching, fear and conflict. Recommended by vets and behaviourists. Summary Similar to coming face to face with a predator in the wild, any kind of unusual or scary event can activate a cat's fight or flight response. Stress can be defined as a natural coping mechanism that, on a short-term basis, serves a very important function - as in the previous example, to protect themselves from danger and potential injury. It's important to remember that there's a lot more going on beneath the surface. Stress is a biological response to a perceived stimulant that triggers many physiological changes in the body, and behavioural action is the final result. Vigilance is key in spotting signs of distress and working to reduce or remove it as quickly as possible. Let's not forget that cats are highly sensitive to human emotions, too. Even if they don't show it, they're capable of picking up on physiological changes such as heart rate and blood pressure; as well as mannerisms and tone of voice. If you suffer from anxiety or find yourself going through a particularly stressful period, try to offer kitty some extra love and reassurance. Related post: Do Cats Sense Depression and Anxiety in Their Owners? To summarise, here are a few things you can do to make the home more cat friendly and limit chances of your kitty developing chronic stress. Avoid sudden changes to routine and introduce new pets or people gradually. Provide a cat-only room or private area. Ensure there are lots of hiding places around the home. Make sure you have adequate space for the number of cats you have. Remove potential stressors, such as closing curtains if a stray has been spotted and limiting noise. Provide plenty of enrichment, including mental and physical stimulation. Schedule short play sessions to help burn off excess energy. Provide vertical and horizontal climbing areas. Offer plenty of resources and scoop litter trays regularly. Don't use harsh cleaning chemicals, fragrances, air fresheners, scented candles or essential oils. These can be toxic and irritating to your cat's nose and respiratory system. Utilise calming aids if necessary.   Mentioned Products Feliway Classic Plug-In Diffuser Feliway Happy Snack Relaxing Treats Comfort Zone Calming Pheromone Collar Do you have a stressed kitty at home? Share your experiences and remedies to help out fellow parents or get in touch for more help and advice.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. All photos are my own and previously unpublished. I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this article or being paid to promote their products. In my previous post, Why Do Cats Scratch and How to Stop It? , we looked at some of the reasons why kitty might be pulling up your carpets and tearing stuffing out of your sofa. Scratching is a natural behaviour but can become destructive if cats aren't given the resources to sharpen and maintain their claws. Scratching also provides exercise, enrichment and the opportunity to scent mark . A variety of fun and engaging scratchers is essential to keep cats happy and protect your home furnishings, so let's dive into some tried and tested options to suit every cat. Cat Scratchers: ; Cardboard Scratcher Basket Wooden Scratch Board Sisal Cat Hammock Cat Sofa with Sisal Pad Sisal Scratcher Bed PawHut Cardboard Lounger PAWZ Road Scratching Board Conlun Cat Scratching Box PETEPELA Scratcher House Cardboard Scratcher Basket These scratcher baskets are typically available in small, medium and large sizes with a choice of oval or round styles. They're made from high-density corrugated cardboard with a textured surface and raised edges for cats to nap and rest in. Since cats like to scratch after waking up, it's an ideal solution. These are both of my boys' favourite type of scratcher, although Simba can't resist the carpet on occasion! The thickened card is sturdy enough to hold a human's weight, but some owners find that they don't withstand scratching for longer than a couple of weeks. By contrast, mine have lasted over a year but it depends on your kitty's enthusiasm levels. The baskets are fairly inexpensive depending on where you shop and what size you require. Be sure to check measurements before purchasing as a lot of customers find that they're smaller than they appear in photos - if anything, I'd suggest sizing up. They also have a tendency to flip over due to the edges being wider than the base, which might be funny for you but no so much for kitty! Due to the material and texture, they're not the easiest to clean. Overall, most cats seem to love these baskets. Worst-case scenario, if you have multiple kitties then you might find yourself investing in a few more to prevent squabbling! Sizes vary. The baskets pictured are extra large: Oval 58cm (l) x 42cm (w) Round 55cm x 55cm Wooden Scratch Board This 3-in-1 scratch board and lounger is constructed from solid wood and recycled corrugated cardboard. The wooden frame protects the edges of the scratcher for extra resilience, while adding a bit of height which my cats love. Some assembly is required, but you can choose from three different scratching angles by altering the leg positions: flat, 40° and 70° (almost vertical). When used flat it can double up as a bed or resting spot, with a curved design that's suited to a cat's delicate spine. The overall product is sturdy, well constructed and long lasting, with positive feedback from customers. The only issue I've found is that it's easy to flip over if kitty puts its weight on either end (kind of like a seesaw) which has led to a few scares! Sizes vary. The scratch board pictured is medium: 49cm (l) x 29cm (w). Sisal Cat Hammock This cat hammock is crafted from a solid wooden frame and natural sisal pad that's durable and fray resistant. It has a curved design for a comfortable sleeping position and comes in various lengths so cats can stretch their bodies. The scratcher is easy to assemble with a modern design that blends in nicely with home living spaces. Since it's built like a hammock, the material has some give which might put cats off as they prefer to have solid footing. It's easy to clean by removing the sisal mat for washing. Customers appreciate the scratcher as a practical solution for claw maintenance without the shedding you get with cardboard. However, some cats prefer it as a bed which could be due to the movement when scratching. It's not the sturdiest of structures, especially if you have heavier cats - mine haven't used it at all. Sizes vary. The hammock pictured is 50cm (l) x 32cm (w). Cat Sofa with Sisal Pad A cosy cat sofa that combines lounging and scratching with soft plush and a durable sisal pad. The sofa is a good size, with plenty of length for stretching and a raised back for comfort. It's built with anti-slip feet that give it a small elevation off ground level. I really love this sleek little sofa; it's durable and weighty and looks great in the living room. Unfortunately my cats have completely ignored it, which is a shame given that it's a slightly more expensive option. If your cat likes sisal then this is a worthy purchase, but mine seem to prefer cardboard. Overall size: 61cm (l) x 38cm (w) Sisal Scratcher Bed This multi-functional cat bed is crafted from natural sisal to provide a texture that cats are inclined to scratch, while being comfortable and durable. It has an anti-slip base and foamboard padding, which makes it lightweight and a tad spongey. The scratcher doubles up as a cosy bed with a dipped centre - I almost want to take a nap on it myself. The cute design isn't an eyesore in the home and it's suitable for cats of all ages and sizes. It comes with an attached ball for extra engagement, prompting kitty to use its claws. Customers love the cute design and spacious size, but some cats don't like standing on it due to the foam being a little soft. Even if it's not used as a scratcher, it has the advantage of making a great bed and toy. Overall size: 61cm (l) x 40cm (w) PawHut Cardboard Lounger This stylish scratcher is purrfect for the pampered puss while complementing your home decor. It's made completely from cardboard to satisfy your cat's urge to sharpen their claws, and the elevated position entices them to sit and lounge on their own piece of furniture - giving them less need to scratch yours! Admittedly, I bought this for the cool design but also because my cats love their cardboard baskets; although it's less used, which is a shame given that it's double the price. The PawHut Lounger comes in several designs if you shop around, and the free catnip is a bonus. Customers love that the scratcher matches their decor, say it's good value for money and lasts longer than standard boards. They're spacious enough for most adult cats but larger breeds might be a squeeze. Overall size: 60cm (l) x 29cm (w) x 26.5cm (h) Seat: 33.5 (l) x 26cm (w) Off the ground: 12.3cm PAWZ Road Scratching Board This unique design by PAWZ Road is constructed from BC and BB corrugated card for enhanced firmness and durability. It offers three pose positions to adapt to cats' different scratching angles and can be placed horizontally or vertically, making good use of household spaces. Additionally, the multi-functional scratcher combines claw sharpening with sleeping and playing. Cats can use it as a lounge spot, bat the ball nestled in the recess or play hide-and-seek in the hole. Since the middle block can be removed from the slot, you're getting an extra scratcher for free. I initially placed a couple of these in the hall when my cats went through their aggressive phase, hoping it'd provide a distraction from glaring at each other. It helped somewhat with Drax, but Simba completely ignored them - and I don't think they've ever noticed the ball, but that's my boys all over! Customers appreciate the product's large size and sturdiness, and cats can make use of the 3-sided scratching board by turning it around when one side is worn. It also makes a great ramp for senior cats and kittens that need help climbing onto higher surfaces like sofas. As with all cardboard scratchers, try to keep it clean and dry. Overall size: 31cm (h) x 71cm (w) x 19cm (d) Conlun Cat Scratching Box Cats love a good box, and the Conlun Scratching Box has multiple uses. It provides a secure, enclosed space for resting, with two side holes for swatting toys and playmates. The scratcher can be placed inside as a base or used separately, and it's made from high-density recycled cardboard which is reversible for extended use. The great thing about these boxes is that they trap loose shavings to keep floors clean, reducing the need for constant sweeping. Many owners find this engaging enough to deter cats from scratching furniture but, as always, double check the measurements as adult cats may need a larger size. As well as sizing, boxes come in a few different colours and designs, with extra scratch boards or additional cat toys. Despite this being a versatile product, some customers complain about it being expensive for what it is, especially as you could make your own version at home. To save a few pennies, check out this how-to guide: DIY Cat Toys That Are Cheap and Easy to Make: Step-by-Step Guides Sizes vary. The box pictured is large: 43.2cm (l) x 25cm (w) x 12.7cm (h). Skylos Scratcher House The Skylos Scratcher House has three sides of high-density recycled corrugated cardboard with a front and back made from solid wood, including a doorway and peepholes. Cats can lounge on the top or nap inside, with multiple surfaces for scratching and territory marking. It also comes with a removable spring mouse toy for batting and swatting. The house can be tucked away in a corner and easily blends in with the home; however, it's quite compact inside. Drax is 5kg and barely squeezes into it, while Simba has never made the attempt! Customers find it easy to assemble, great for kittens but too small for large adult cats. Overall size: 30cm (h) x 40cm (w) x 30cm (d) In summary, cardboard and sisal scratchers are great alternatives to standard posts, especially for cats that prefer to scratch horizontally. Cardboard typically has more shedding and may not last as long, but cats are attracted to the texture; while sisal can better withstand excessive scratching and provides a deterrent from your carpets. Those with incorporated toys offer extra enrichment, while baskets and loungers are multi-functional for smaller living spaces. There are lots of options and styles available, and these are just a few examples to get you started. Hopefully, I've given you some ideas for adding a bit of fun and variety to the home - and more importantly, kitty's environment. Happy shopping! Information accurate from August 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Do you have any of these scratchers at home or something similar? Share your buys and inspo for other pet parents.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Drax playing with his homemade teaser wand - a nice shot of his molars, too! These budget-friendly DIY cat toys are designed to be quick and easy to make at home for the busy cat mum or dad. These are hard times we're living in, and this how-to guide couldn't be simpler - which is cats all over. They may be complex creatures, but when it comes to play we have to appreciate their simplicity. What else do you see going crazy over a piece of string or a cardboard box? The most common types of cat toys range from mice to wands and more expensive or battery-operated toys. With indoor cats becoming more common in this ever-changing world, the amount people are spending on their pets increases with it, and the market has to cater for this. If your cats are anything like mine - that is, flushing 30 quid's worth of entertainment down the drain in favour of a scrunched up sweetie wrapper, then it's time to get creative with some DIY cat toy ideas. Simba cautiously inspecting the new feather wand. Most of the materials needed for these homemade cat toys can be found around the house without spending a penny; and as proud cat parents, I'd be surprised if you didn't have at least a couple of cat balls readily available for modification. Using recycled or repurposed materials makes them eco-friendly, too. 4 Types of DIY Cat Toys: The Stuffed Sock Cardboard Box Huts Homemade Teaser Wand Treat Dispenser "Stuffed sock" measures approximately 15cm x 5cm. 1.    The Stuffed Sock Materials Sock or tights. Cushion stuffing. Paper - I like brown packing paper because it's soft but any type will do. Cat balls - plastic, jingly, crinkly or whatever your cats prefer. If you want to spend a bit more, this 35 PCS Cat Ball Se t from Amazon has a great variety. Catnip (optional). Soft cat toys can be simple to make with no sewing required, and they're great for adding catnip or silvervine . You can use a sock to stuff or cut the feet off old tights like I did. Johnson's Catnip Spray contains oil from the dried leaves of catmint. It can be applied to bedding, toys, scratch posts or anywhere you want to encourage some kitty interaction. Drax prefers tights because the material is thinner, it's fun to scratch and he has a fetish for - well, anything that smells of feet - but nylon is especially fusty. Kind of gross but some humans have been known to pay good money for the pleasure! Drax loves his crinkle balls, but you can add heaver ones for a bit more weight. Steps Tear off a couple of strips of paper and scrunch into balls. Whatever size you make them will depend on the sock and how big you want the toy to be. My cats would be scared of anything too imposing, hence why the example pictured is on the smaller side. Have fun and play around with whatever works best, you can always take out and restuff if necessary. Start filling the sock with stuffing and add some of the scrunched paper, this gives it some texture and sound. Sprinkle as much or as little catnip as desired, then add more stuffing and your chosen ball in the centre. Repeat this process on the other side, alternating stuffing with paper, then tie off the sock and voila! If a knot is difficult then use scissors to make two 1-inch cuts down either side of the sock and tie the flaps together. That's all there is to a DIY soft cat toy, and remember the golden rule: there are no rules! If you want to add a second ball, more/less paper, make it softer or firmer then go ahead. Cats will love to grip, bat and toss around this catnip kicker. Looking for a quality, potent catnip? Check out these top recommended catnip blends and sprays . Add as many windows or "peepholes" as you like in your DIY cardboard cat hut. 2. Cardboard Box Huts Cardboard boxes come in so many sizes that the possibilities are vast, and what cat parent doesn't have a constant supply of boxes cluttering up the hallway? Or maybe that's just me - thanks, Amazon and zooplus! I've mentioned it a lot in previous posts but in case you missed it, cats love to stalk things - including each other. So, sharpen the scissors and let's turn that boring box into an exciting cat fort. Materials Cardboard box, preferably big enough for kitty to hide or sit in - see the pictured examples. Pen or pencil. Box cutter or scissors. Simba was straight in his cardboard hut - remember too that wimpy cats love to hide. Design 1 (Large Hut) Cut the base off your box by removing the flaps, leaving four walls and a "roof". Mark a doorway and windows wherever you want, however big or small - you can also play with different shapes. I added a square window at the front, a circular one at the back and a lower one at the side to make it more fun with alternating heights. In the wild, prey would be scuttling around shrubbery and undergrowth so it's natural for cats to hunt at ground level. Once finished, turn the box upside down, decorate as desired and you're ready to go. Use anything from your homemade feather wand to bits of string to poke through the gaps and tantalise your kitty. If the box is strong enough then you can use a screwdriver to make some peepholes in the roof. Just bear in mind that if you have heavier cats then they risk going straight through it - amusing for humans, not so fun if there happens to be a playmate underneath! Two simple DIY cat toys in one! Design 2 I call this the "truck", a shallow box that kitty can sit in with multiple holes to stick its paws or toys through. Remember to size it up first, I often underestimate my cats but Drax is all fur and will squeeze into anything. These designs can cost anything up to £20 online and come with replaceable scratching boards to put in the bottom. I bought the Conlun Scratcher Box which is what gave me this idea, but you can save a lot of money by adapting a cardboard box and picking up a cheap scratcher from sites like AliExpress. Cat scratchers made from high-density corrugated cardboard which is durable and wear-resistant. Cats can satisfy their scratching instincts without causing damage to furniture. Scratchers come in various shapes and are comfy to lie on. Following the same steps as design 1, remove the top flaps instead of bottom ones so kitty can climb inside (I left the sides because my cats love to stalk around the outside of boxes, too). Simply cut out a few pokey holes and let playtime begin - simple! Easy DIY teaser wand with a combination of ribbons and wool. 3. Homemade Teaser Wand Teaser wands are a kitty classic and can be made at home with a variety of materials, from feathers to string or any type of fabric you have available. You can even refurbish old tatty wands where cats have destroyed the teasers or keep the handles to reuse - more paws up for the environment. Materials Fabric, ribbon, string, wool or feathers. Any of these can be picked up at a pound shop or local craft store, but this Pack of 300 Guinea Fowl Feathers are natural, colourful and non-toxic for cats. Wooden dowel (approx 30cm x 1cm) or recycled wand. Glue - a hot glue gun works best as glue is non-toxic, but be sure to check the manufacturer's guide. Elastic band. Twine. Kitty bell (optional). I kept the teaser sparse because - yep, you guessed it - too much makes it look like a scary monster. String/Wool/Ribbon Teaser Cut your chosen material into 15cm-30cm lengths and loop over about 2cm of an elastic band. You can add as much or as little as you want, depending on how thick you want the teaser to be. Tie the remainder of the band around the end of the wand/dowel to secure - no glue required. I finished it off with an extra piece of ribbon to cover the band (optional). Mainly because my boys take offence to the smell of rubber, but it's also aesthetically pleasing. This may be the most time-consuming option but it's simple, effective and didn't cost me a penny - ka-ching! *Only use toys with small pieces under supervision, and check teasers regularly for loose parts that could become a choking hazard if swallowed. Use different types of feathers for texture. Feather Wand Gather 10-15 feathers of varying colours and/or sizes into a bunch and hot glue the tips together. Use a small blob of glue to attach feathers to the end of the wand and finish by wrapping them together with twine to ensure they're secure, adding a bit of glue along the way to keep it from unravelling. You could use duct tape if preferred, but my kitties are more likely to chew that than the feathers. For an extra jingle, thread on a small bell before tying off the twine (optional). Fabric DIY cat teaser, aka the duster. Fabric Teaser This is so easy to make because you can use any kind of material you have lying around: dishcloths, flannels, old T-shirts or even another sock. 20cm x 15cm section with 1cm strips. As a general guide, cut out a 20cm x 15cm section of fabric and make 1cm-wide strips, leaving about an inch at the top all the way along. Dab your glue of choice along the top (if you don't own a glue gun then a strong fabric glue should work) then wrap it around the end of the dowel. Leave to dry and let playtime commence - you can even whack off a few cobwebs in the process! Homemade treat or kibble dispenser.   4.    Treat Dispenser Materials Toilet/kitchen roll or plastic water bottle. Paper. Elastic bands. Scissors. Treats or kibble. Adjust difficulty levels by making more or less holes. Steps Using a pair of scissors or a craft knife, poke some randomly spaced holes in your cardboard tube or bottle. Holes should be big enough for the treats to fall through, but not so wide that they pour out as this defeats the purpose! The more holes, the easier the puzzle will be. If using a plastic bottle, ensure there are no sharp edges by cutting off any points. Cut 2 squares of paper large enough to wrap over the ends of the cardboard tube and secure one side with an elastic band (I used hair bobbles). You can skip this step if using a bottle. Fill the tube with treats or kibble, then cover the other end with paper and secure. For bottles, simply screw on the lid. Place on the floor and watch kitty bat it around to knock out the tasty snacks! While puzzles are great for enrichmen t and mental stimulation, some cats might not react to them in the first instance. It's perfectly safe to sprinkle a small amount of catnip inside the dispenser. If you don't have catnip, try scattering some treats around the toy to encourage interaction or leave it near their regular food station. Related post: How to Play with Cats of All Ages: Motivation Tips and Tricks There you have it: 4 types of DIY cat toys that are cheap and easy to make - in less than 10 minutes each. It can also double up as crafting time with the kids in a fun and rewarding family experience. We think that's rather pawsome! Mentioned Products Allazone 35 PCS Cat Ball Set Deepton Guinea Fowl Feathers 300 Pack Conlun Cat Scratcher Box with Scratching Board Have you tried these cheap and easy DIY cat toys? Do you have any questions or need more advice? Let us know in the comments if you think anything might be missing and I'll do my best to help.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. All photos are my own and previously unpublished. I am not affiliated with Feliway or being paid to promote their products. If you've found your way here then you'll be familiar with the cat calming products offered by Feliway and may be wondering: which one is best? Well, that depends on what kind of behaviour you're trying to eliminate. Known as the number one clinically-proven cat behavioural product, Feliway is backed by over 25 years of science and research into pet welfare. There are three types of plug-ins available: Classic, Optimum and Friends. The following reviews cover Optimum and Friends, which I've tried and tested on my own squabbling boys - but don't worry, I've put together a comparison of all three here . Feliway Classic 30 Day Starter Kit ✓  Stress & minor changes Feliway Optimum 30 Day Starter Kit ✓  Behavioural issues & major changes Feliway Friends 30 Day Starter Kit ✓ Multi-cat tension Skip straight to Feliway Optimum and Feliway Friends reviews . Also in this article: What Are Pheromones? Why Use a Feliway Diffuser? Pros and Cons of a Feliway Diffuser How to Use a Feliway Diffuser Feliway Classic, Optimum and Friends Comparison Does Feliway Work? What Are Pheromones? We've already covered quite a bit on the importance of feline pheromones, but if you're not up to speed and want to learn more, check out this article before reading on: What Are Cat Pheromones and How Do They Work? In short, pheromones are chemicals that cats release from various glands around their bodies through scent marking. They can be detected by other cats and used as signals or messages, making them a valuable source of communication. Diffusers contain artificial pheromones that are slowly released when plugged in to make cats feel safe, secure and comfortable within their environment. Why Use a Feliway Diffuser? Pheromone products are designed to help cats feel more relaxed and reduce anxiety-related behaviours such as: Scratching or clawing furniture. Overgrooming. Hiding. Fear and nervousness. Urinating outside the litterbox and spraying (territory marking). Excessive vocalisation. Fighting with other household cats. They also claim to diminish stress associated with new situations such as moving house; introducing new cats, pets or babies; fireworks and vet visits . For a shorter-term alternative, sprays are also available that can be used on carriers prior to travelling or around problem areas of the home. Feliway Classic Spray is available in 20ml or 60ml bottles. According to Feliway studies, 41.7% of owners felt that their relationship with their cats improved after using the spray. Related post: 6 Best Cat Calming Sprays Pros and Cons of a Feliway Diffuser Pros: Clinically proven and vet recommended. Easy to use. Effective within 1 week. Undetectable to humans. Reduces stress in cats of all ages. Drug free. Covers 70m ² . 48ml bottle lasts up to 30 days. Cons: May need more than one diffuser to cover multiple floors or areas of the home. Expensive for long-term use. Plug-in should be replaced every 6 months. How to Use a Feliway Diffuser Diffusers should be plugged into an electrical socket nearest to where cats spend most of their time, avoiding draught areas such as windows and doors. Ensure it's not covered by furniture or curtains as this can cause blockages and prevent the pheromones from dispersing properly. Leave the diffuser on 24/7 for continuous use or up to 2 weeks prior to a stressful event (moving house, fireworks, etc). Vials need to be replaced once empty, for which you can buy refill packs online. It's advised to replace the plug after 5 refills or 6 months of use. Feliway recommends that diffusers are used for 3-4 weeks for best results, although many owners see effects within the first 7 days. Feliway Classic, Optimum and Friends Comparison CLASSIC OPTIMUM FRIENDS Pheromones 2% FFP 2% FPC 2% CAP Behaviours Hiding; urine spraying; scratching. Fear; hiding; urine spraying; scratching; fighting; overgrooming (if stress related); reduced appetite (if stress related). Tension; conflict; fighting; blocking; staring. Situations Urinating outside the litter tray; changes in the home. Introducing a new pet or baby; moving home; changes in routine. Aggression between cats; introducing a new cat; aiding bonding. Amazon Rating ⭐ 4.2 ⭐ 4.2 ⭐ 4.0 Feliway Classic - Mimics the feline facial pheromone (FFP) which cats produce when rubbing their face and cheeks against objects in their environment, creating a sense of familiarity and safety. This is the original Feliway that has helped to make cats feel comfortable at home and reduce signs of stress for over 25 years. It can be useful for minor changes such as vet visits or travelling. Feliway Optimum - Contains a new feline pheromone complex, a blend of pheromones designed to address a wider range of behavioural issues. It provides overall serenity, especially when preparing for major changes in the home. Feliway Friends - A synthetic version of the feline appeasing pheromone (CAP) that a mother cat naturally releases after giving birth. These are used to make kittens feel safe and protected; as well as aiding bonding, identification and harmonious interactions between littermates. This is recommended for multi-cat households to minimise tension and conflict. Visit Does Feliway Work? With all three diffusers boasting a 4-star or above rating on Amazon, it's safe to say that Feliway products are effective in many cases. Some customers complain about value for money, especially when there are some good cheaper alternatives; and diffusers not working for their cats. According to the Feliway website: Classic users reported a reduction in urine marking in 9 out of 10 cats after 4 weeks. 93% of Optimum users noticed their cats showed enhanced serenity with the following reductions: *Scratching -73% *Urine spraying -77% *Conflict -72% *Fear, hiding and stress associated with changes or new situations -73% Friends was the first product that was scientifically proven to reduce conflict and tension between cats living in the same household. Customer Feedback Classic Owners report positive results for hiding, urine spraying, scratching and overgrooming. In a few cases, it's said to help make cats more sociable with people. Optimum Highly rated for easing tension between household cats where other signs of anxiety are present. It's also used for reducing territorial behaviour when introducing cats for the first time and settling rescue cats. It's most effective on scratching and excessive meowing or crying. Friends Positive results are seen with nervous cats and those that generally annoy each other. It reduces conflict triggered by changes, including moving house or additional pets. Shop Pet Furniture → Many owners use Feliway (unsuccessfully) when introducing new kittens to existing cats, but this could be due to not going through the proper introduction process. Bringing a kitten into the household is a change in itself and can be extremely upsetting for other residents depending on factors such as age, personality and temperament. I've seen an abundance of negative reviews from people using Feliway and other brands to calm their excitable kittens. Pheromones are no substitute for play and other forms of enrichment or stimulation. It's crucial to give young cats and kittens an outlet for their excess of energy  to prevent annoying other cats or engaging in destructive behaviour. If you suspect your kitten has abnormal hyperactivity levels then consult a vet for advice. Feliway Reviews While Feliway Classic has a whopping 37,000+ reviews on Amazon, Optimum is the most highly recommended as it contains a new and improved pheromone complex that has been proven to calm cats better than ever. I therefore didn't feel it necessary to purchase both, but instead focused on Optimum and Friends for targeting aggression and conflict between my boys. It's important to note that diffusers are aimed at reducing behaviours caused by or resulting from stress , which usually goes hand in hand with aggression, but it won't eliminate the cause. Diffusers are by no means a miracle cure to stop cats from fighting, but providing a safe and comfortable environment may help towards making cats feel more relaxed in general. Diffusers are no substitute for medical treatment and you should always consult a vet to check for underlying health conditions that may be contributing to problem behaviour Feliway Optimum Plug-in Diffuser and Refill *Reviews are based on aggressive behaviours rather than purely stress related. Product/Packaging In the first instance, these Feliway starter kits contain 1 diffuser and 1 refill. Feliway is currently the most expensive brand on the market, but once the vial runs out you can purchase more refills at a slightly lower cost. Quality As far as the diffusers themselves go, there was no detectable odour, overheating or burning (as some reviews describe). The only thing I'll say is that the top of the plugs get a bit sticky from the vapour residue and this tends to attract dust. When I turned the diffusers off for an extended length of time and switched them back on again, some of the dust would singe and there was a slight burning smell. This went away after I wiped the dust off, so it's not a fault with the diffuser but more with my cleaning skills. My advice would be to unplug the diffuser when not in use and store inside the box it's packaged in. I didn't experience any side effects such as headaches, which some people complain of. I assume this is a result of sensitivity to the paraffin-based solution that holds the pheromones. The diffusers didn't last for the full 30 days, but in my experience none of them do! Usage As the most popular and recommended Feliway diffuser, Optimum was the first one I tried, with its new and improved pheromone complex. One diffuser covers up to 70m ² so I put it on the ground floor where the cats spend most of their time, as per instructions. The first time using this, my cats stopped fighting after a few days, but whether this was a coincidence is anyone’s guess. When I say fighting, they weren't so much physical fights but more brewing tension: growling, hissing, stalking, blocking and staring. This came on suddenly and the cause of aggression  was unclear, but I turned the diffuser off after around two weeks. When problems resurfaced a few months later, I plugged the diffuser back in and didn't notice a difference in either cat's behaviour. The signs of aggression  were the same as previously but quickly escalated, with chasing and full-contact fights. Feliway Friends Plug-in Diffuser and Refill After giving it 3-4 weeks, I decided to try Feliway Friends (CAP pheromone) as recommended for reducing conflict in multi-cat households, which was more fitting to my cats’ needs. Again, there were no obvious effects so I turned it off just to make sure I wasn’t missing something - even the slightest change was better than nothing. For reference, I have two cats: Drax was always the main aggressor and Simba was the victim. Interestingly, in the days following, Drax’s behaviour started to improve . The fighting still occurred but there was less stalking and chasing with an overall healthier interest in his brother. On the flip side, Simba was noticeably more skittish without the diffusers - which should come as no surprise if you’ve followed My Story . Annoyingly, my cats are so opposite in personality that finding remedies to suit both has been challenging to say the least! Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats To make doubly sure I wasn’t imagining things, I tried the Comfort Zone brand which contains another analogue of feline pheromones, albeit a little cheaper than Feliway. The results were similar, which I can only take as evidence of what we already know. Pheromone therapy had a positive effect on Simba as the “victim” by lowering anxiety levels, but no effect on Drax as the aggressor. What I can’t figure out is how or why the diffusers would have made him more  aggressive. Comfort Zone plug-in pheromone diffuser for single or multi-cat homes. Creates a calm, relaxing environment to help reduce stress and other problem behaviours, as well as tension and fighting between household cats. After some research - that is, trawling through other buyer reviews - I found similar stories of diffusers having a negative effect on cats where aggression is already present. Some owners even claimed that their cats had peed on the diffusers themselves! I have no evidence that links diffusers to increased aggression and as Drax began to improve naturally, they seemed to stop having an effect altogether. Cats are complex creatures, as we know. It wouldn’t be fair to pin any blame on Feliway or its competitors and I don’t have a negative opinion of pheromone products in general; all I can say is that they worked for one cat and not the other. There are plenty of owners claiming that diffusers stopped their cats from fighting but, without knowing the cause of aggression or the cats themselves, it's hard to form a conclusion. Nor can I comment on their effectiveness for more stress-related behaviours such as scratching or overgrooming. At the risk of making Drax worse, I initially ditched the pheromones and focused more on creating a calmer environment with a Pet Remedy diffuser. These contain blends of valerian, vetiver, basil and clary sage essential oils to tackle stress and anxiety, which means they're not cat specific. Pet Remedy plug-in diffuser contains a low concentration of valerian and essential oils to work with a cat's natural calming mechanisms when tackling stress and anxiety. Ideal for most pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and birds. As far as Pet Remedy goes, the boys definitely seemed to be more relaxed and slept sounder than usual; but the aggression persisted until I got to the root of the issue. Find out more in: How to Stop Cats Spraying and Urine Marking Outside Your Home with 8 Tips Perhaps this explains why Feliway was effective the first time around and not the second. If it was purely tension from a minor squabble with no external stressor, the diffuser would have more of an effect than if there was an underlying cause for aggression. Many owners have reported successful results in different situations and scenarios, so it really comes down to your individual cat/s. Unfortunately, it's all guesswork at this point. The boys had fallen out and made up so many times in the past that they might have done so again without the diffuser. The only difference this time was that the levels of aggression were higher and more long-lasting, so I bought a diffuser to help during the separation and reintroduction process. Feliway Help 7-Day Starter Kit Plug-in diffuser and cartridge ideal for temporary situations or a trial period. Provides 7 days of happy messages to your cat. Conclusion While Feliway Optimum seemed to help with Simba's nerves around Drax, Feliway Friends had little if any effect. I would have expected the opposite; but again, as the conflict was a result of external circumstances rather than problems between the cats themselves, this is perhaps why there was no improvement. Feliway makes no claims of reducing aggression that isn't stress related, so I don't believe the issue completely lies with the products. More notably, I switched back to Feliway Optimum once the other diffusers had run out and found that it still had a negative effect on Drax. With some caution, I bought another Comfort Zone and had no issues. This was good for everyone because it seemed to work just as well on Simba as Feliway Optimum, if not better - as well as being a fair bit cheaper. Progress between the boys has been slow and steady, but I wasn't expecting miracles. Pheromone diffusers are a treatment rather than a cure and work best alongside other changes, whether that involves their environment; medical intervention or advice from a behaviourist. I definitely notice a difference when the diffuser runs out, as Simba tends to get more defensive and hissy around Drax. What works for one cat might not work for another, which is perhaps why there are so many conflicting reviews. For now I'll stick with Comfort Zone because it's the best option for us, but Feliway Optimum is a worthy contender and comes highly rated by customers - see for yourself! Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) Information accurate from August 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Have you tried any of the diffusers mentioned or think you've found a better alternative? Share your experiences and feedback in the comments to help out fellow cat parents.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on extensive research into products, brands and customer feedback. Are you having problems with four-legged invaders? This article covers the best cat deterrents for gardens and yards, with six effective methods for keeping strays off your property. Hurrah to poop-free lawns, patios, flowerbeds and plants - not forgetting about those sneaky fence hoppers. With these budget-friendly recommendations, getting rid of outdoor cats in a safe and humane manner doesn't have to cost the earth. 6 Best Cat Deterrents for Gardens and Yards: C&G Urine Stop Spray Cat and Dog Repellent The Big Cheese Cat and Dog Scatter Granules Pestbye Waterproof Ultrasonic Cat Repeller Gardigo Water Spray Cat Repellent Unibos Pack of 3 Black Cat Silhouette Scarers Yukiyi Anti-Cat Scat Mat With Spikes First things first, how do products actually work? Cat deterrents, while pretty self-explanatory, are used to repel cats and can be used in a variety of situations, both inside and outside of the home. These include: Stopping cats from fouling, digging or generally making a mess of your carefully tended rose beds. Avoiding potential danger such as toxic plants (I'll say here that it's probably easier and safer to remove any poisonous greenery from the house or garden, wherever possible). Clawing furniture or scent marking (spraying). Having experienced my own problems with cats urine spraying in the yard and upsetting my resident fur children, I know how frustrating it can be - not to mention the time-consuming (and at times expensive) task of scouring the internet for a cat repellent that works. As territorial creatures, which we've covered at length throughout this site, cats will stop at almost nothing to spread their scent around - whether it's peeing in your plant beds, digging up your seedlings or using your patio as a sunbed. As much as I respect and admire all cats, the risk of losing your territory to a horde of furry invaders is very real! Related post:  How to Stop Cats Spraying and Urine Marking Outside Your Home with 8 Tips How to keep cats out of your garden depends on the layout of the garden itself. Is it more lawn than patio? Do you have an enclosed yard? Is it bordered by fence panels or hedges? Are there extensive flowerbeds and plants? Do you have lots of bird feeders dotted around? Some outdoor spaces may be easier to protect than others, but the trick is to make your garden as uninviting (to a cat) as possible. Unfortunately, that could mean saying goodbye to wildlife, too. Strays aside, you might have your own resident kitty that you want to keep away from certain areas of the garden without getting the hosepipe out every ten seconds. Kidding - no one should be spraying their cats. If you're facing the same problems as me and don't know where to start, I can take some of the guesswork out for you by listing my 6 best outdoor cat deterrents of 2025. ⭐⭐⭐ C&G Urine Stop Spray Cat and Dog Repellent Don’t let the mention of dogs put you off, the active ingredients in this urine repellent spray are the same as what you'll find in any cat-specific product. Citrus and lemongrass are common and effective cat repellents due to their fresh scents, and lemongrass acts as an anti-microbial agent. These natural ingredients make it both pet and eco-friendly, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Urine contains pheromones and is the biggest attractant for cats, so eliminating this may stop them from wanting to pee in your garden, as well as reducing other unwanted behaviours such as digging and scratching. Worse-case scenario, you have a house or garden that smells of lemons. Usage It's advised to respray areas every 2-3 days in order to protect gardens and furniture. With a large 500ml bottle, it's averagely priced against competitors. Rating ⭐⭐⭐ 3.5 Based on 5,000+ Amazon reviews. Most repellent sprays on the market have mixed reviews, which isn't surprising given the nature of cats. Some will turn and run from an offending pong, while more dominant cats will want to remark the area. It's important to remember that sprays aren't designed to remove urine, so it's essential to clean the area first with a strong disinfectant. This method may take some persistence, but it's a sound solution for tackling urine problems. Conclusion While cat repellent sprays are undoubtedly one of the quickest and cheapest deterrents, it requires regular spraying and reapplication every time it rains - so for my fellow Brits, not so cheap after all! It will also bump up the cost for larger areas, so I'd suggest using a good spray around doors to keep cats away from the house, particularly if you have any resident kitties. Sprays are more targeted towards preventing the spread of urine and work best when applied to hard surfaces such as yards and patios. ⭐⭐⭐ The Big Cheese Cat And Dog Scatter Granules Crystals or granules are designed to mask traces of pheromones in urine. This confuses an animal's sense of smell, training them to move to other areas where there's evidence of fouling or digging. Similar to sprays, this all-natural blend of plant oils is safe to use on lawns, soil, gravel and patios without posing a danger to pets or wildlife. Incorporated with biodegradable clay substrate, it naturally degrades without leaving any traces. Usage Granules should be scattered within affected areas every 48 hours or until the problem has ceased. One pack treats up to 250 m ² and it's suitable for outdoor use only Rating ⭐⭐⭐ 3.5 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews. Both granules and sprays have the same mixed reviews from customers, as well as the downfall of being easily washed away. With such a large surface area covered by a single pack, this one is definitely worth a try. Conclusion Depending on the area you want to treat, the main benefit of granules is that they can be applied to pebbled or gravelled spaces and soil, making it an effective urine repellent for lawns, flowerbeds and plants. ⭐⭐⭐ PestBye Waterproof Ultrasonic Cat Repeller Ultrasonic cat repellents work on a motion sensor and emit a high-frequency sound to scare away animals. The great thing about these devices is that they're harmless to cats, humans and the environment - and once they're installed, you don't have to do anything! Usage I won't pretend to be a tech guru but some of the basic specs include: Infrared PIR motion sensor that detects movement and body heat. Covers a 110-degree arch to a distance of up to 10 metres. Emits a high-frequency sound that irritates cats while being almost inaudible to humans. Adjustable sensitivity and frequency depending on the type of animal you want to target. Zinc-coated ground stake and tab for fitting directly to a wall or fence. Fully weatherproof. Battery powered . Rating ⭐⭐⭐ 3.7 Based on 12,000+ Amazon reviews. With over 12,000 reviews at an above average rating - and a budget price - this is a great choice. Some customers complain about the noise, despite it supposedly being undetectable to humans; and battery life, which can be solved by using the rechargeable kind. What this product may be lacking against competitors is the addition of LED lights to further startle animals, which personally I find annoying - especially at night. The last thing I want to wake up to is something that resembles a UFO flashing through the curtains. Some customers might appreciate a solar-powered device, but this further limits where it can be placed - here in the UK, we'd be lucky to get any power at all. One option is to station the stake into a plant pot that can be moved around the garden to the most convenient spot. Conclusion An effective repellent designed to keep cats out of gardens before they have a chance to become a nuisance - and waterproof, making it cheaper in the long-run. If you want something a bit more advanced then this alternative option comes with LED lights, a solar panel and USB charging port. Check it out on Amazon: Joomouney Ultrasonic Cat Repellent ⭐⭐⭐ PestBye Jet Spray Cat Repellent Not too dissimilar to ultrasonic devices, and from the same brand, this jet spray repellent works on a motion sensor to fire a gentle burst of water when triggered by an offending cat. Though seemingly cruel upon first impression, as I'm not an advocate of spraying cats myself, this acts as more of a deterrent. The idea being that after one or two sprays, animals will start to avoid the area in a natural learning process. Usage The benefits of these jet spray repellents include: Range of up to 10 metres depending on settings and water pressure. Spreading width of 120 degrees. Adjustable jet height and motion sensitivity. Battery powered (lasts 3-4 months). Potential inconveniences: Stake mounting which is only good for lawns. Requires connection to a garden hose. Consumes 2-3 cups of water per activation. Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.8 Based on 4,000+ Amazon reviews. Customers describe the product as being a highly-functional and effective deterrent for intruding cats and foxes, if not a little flimsy. Other downsides include water leakage and having to dodge a squirt if you accidentally walk past the motion sensor (totally something I'd do). This can be avoided by disconnecting the hose. Conclusion This is undoubtedly the best cat deterrent for lawns, with the minor inconveniences of being permanently attached to a hose and water consumption for the eco-warriors. A slightly more expensive option, this is a small but worthwhile investment. ⭐⭐⭐ Unibos Pack of 3 Black Cat Silhouette Scarers These cat scarers with reflective glass eyes are designed to mimic a cat, kind of like a feline scarecrow to repel other cats, birds, squirrels and foxes. Made from powder-coated metal means they're durable, rust resistant and can potentially last for years; although the most attractive quality has to be the stylish design. Usage These can be mounted in lawns with stakes or hung to fences and sheds with the provided hooks. I'd suggest using scarers as a preventative measure by arranging them around flowerbeds, plants or lining the top of fence panels to physically block off intruding parties, which can be done by nailing through the holes used for stakes. Rating ⭐⭐⭐ 3.8 Based on 200+ Amazon reviews. Cat scarers are a safe and non-invasive cat repellent with an impressive score for what they are. They can be installed in a range of different areas, so usage is less limited than other methods. Conclusion Not a bad price or rating for a pack of what are essentially garden statues. If they don't scare away intruders then at the very least, they make a cute piece of decor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yukiyi Anti-Cat Scat Mat With Spikes These spiked mats look scary at first glance but are perfectly safe to use and will cause no harm to animals. Made from plastic, this prickle strip is designed to irritate paws to deter from digging, scratching or approaching the area you want to protect. It's unlikely that cats will attempt to navigate or cross over a mat, thus choosing somewhere more convenient to pee or poop. Usage The scat mat is simply inserted over soil and fixed in place with the provided pegs, making it ideal for protecting plants, flowerbeds, vegetable patches, lawn perimeters and anywhere you want to prevent cats from hanging out. This prickle strip comes in a continuous 2-metre roll that can be cut into different sizes and shapes according to requirements, making it more convenient than the small individual sheets. It can also be laid on hard surfaces in front of doors and gates by weighing down the ends with bricks or stones. For protecting fences, the Prikkastrip Eco Fence Wall Spikes can be affixed to the top of fence panels as a further deterrent, while staying in compliance with anti-climb security laws to prevent injury or pain to animals (and humans - but that's another topic!). Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1 Based on 600+ Amazon reviews. With an impressive 4-star rating, this has the potential to be an effective multi-functional product. Conclusion While prickle mats can be used in a variety of situations, they're also a pricier option as you're paying per roll. If you have a larger garden then it could soon add up. To save money, use in combination with other deterrents or limit to those hard-to-reach places. Summary Use this quick comparison guide to round up the most important points of each cat deterrent and find a solution that works best for you (and your garden!). Urine repellent sprays: A cheap, quick-fix solution for hard surfaces such as patios, yards and doors. Requires regular application. Scatter crystals/granules: Value for money and a long-lasting solution for soil and gravel. Similar to sprays, these are easily washed away. Ultrasonic devices: Safe and effective with various settings to target different animals. Needs to be mounted or hung. Jet sprays: Highly effective and best for larger gardens or lawns. Needs to be attached to a hose and you may get splattered! Cat scarers: More for show and less effective than other products, but a great physical blockade for fences or flowerbeds. Prickle mats: Best used for blocking off small areas including plants or flowerbeds, fences and gates. Could be costly for larger gardens. Information accurate from November 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Have you tried these outdoor deterrents with any luck? Do you think something missed the list? Let us know in the comments if you have any recommendations of your own.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: What Are Cat Pheromones? How Are Pheromones Detected ? Types of Pheromones Pheromones and Aggression Pheromone Products What Are Cat Pheromones? Pheromones are chemical signals or "scent messages" that cats use to communicate with their environment and other cats or individuals, even when they're no longer around. They're released from various glands around their bodies, including the face and paws; as well as being excreted through urine and poop. Only cats are able to produce and detect feline pheromones. Although odourless, pheromones are most commonly used for scent marking, whereby cats rub their faces on objects around the home to enhance familiarity and safety. This helps with identification so they can easily recognise other animals or people - and more importantly, whether they're friendly or not! Different pheromones have different purposes and impacts on feline behaviour, which will be covered in more depth further on. They contain information about a cat's age, sex, health, reproductive status and other things. How Are Pheromones Detected? Since pheromones are odourless, cats have a specialised organ for detecting them, called the vomeronasal organ (VNO). This is located in the roof of the mouth where it connects to the nasal cavity via two ducts and, finally, the brain to "decode" the information. In simple terms, the function of the vomeronasal organ, sometimes referred to as the Jacobson's organ, is to taste scents. So, how does it work? Visit If you've ever seen your cat sniffing with its mouth open, which looks something like a grimace, it's performing what's known as the Flehmen response. This is when a cat curls or retracts its upper lip and pushes its tongue up to the roof of its mouth - what it's actually doing is flicking the scent molecules up into the ducts. While cells in the nose detect smells, chemoreceptors in the VNO perceive chemicals - specifically, pheromones. I've had many cats over the years, but I first became aware of the Flehmen response when my current boy, Simba, started "sniffing" everything his brother sat on. This is nothing unusual for our butt-obsessed felines, but the grimace was new to me - and pretty comical. Types of Pheromones Feline Facial Pheromones (FFP) The facial glands are located: Behind the ears on the outer flaps (pinna). The area between the eyes and ears where fur is sparse (temples). On the cheeks. Around the lips or lip margins (perioral). Under the chin (submandibular). As mentioned, the glands produce what are known as "calming pheromones" that cats deposit to mark stuff as theirs, and they contain many different chemicals. Next time you catch kitty rubbing its lips on the kitchen utensils - I'm looking at YOU, Simba - know that it's feeling very happy and relaxed. Another marking behaviour you might have seen is bunting, which occurs when a cat presses or bumps its face against something - or someone, including other cats and humans. This is a gesture of acceptance and a form of social bonding. Bunting can also be a way to grab our attention, so next time you're headbutted on the back of the legs, it's possible that kitty is asking to be petted or thinks it's dinner time. Perhaps this explains why cats prefer to be stroked around the facial area, since it's where many important scent glands lie. If you have multiple cats, you've probably seen them rubbing heads to greet each other. This is usually followed by presenting the anus and taking it in turns to have a good whiff. Many mornings, I've been woken by Simba doing his best Michael Jackson impression by moonwalking onto my face - which is less than ideal for me but, for cats, the butt contains a wealth of information. This is a huge sign of trust, as cats are putting themselves in a very vulnerable position by turning their backs. Cats also have glands on their tongues so they can transfer their scent when licking each other. This behaviour is called allogrooming and occurs in all social animals, from monkeys to humans. It allows cats to establish a communal scent and bond with other colony members (or housemates!). Some of the chemicals found in feline facial pheromones have been artificially replicated to formulate calming products, namely plug-in diffusers and sprays. These are used by veterinary professionals and owners to help reduce problem behaviours linked to stress and anxiety. If you're familiar with this site then you'll have seen many articles based around these products, but here's a brief recap. Scientists have identified five specific pheromones in the lip, cheek and chin sebaceous secretions, known as F1-F5. F1: Unknown function. F2: Released by males as a form of sexual marking. This allows cats to be more effective at securing a mate. F3: Associated with territorial behaviour or the "object rubbing" we spoke about previously that makes cats feel happy and secure, thus reducing anxiety. F4: Released through rubbing onto other cats in social settings (and in some cases, humans). Marking familiar individuals means there's less chance of conflict erupting. F5: Unknown function. (Source: Wikipedia ) Feliway Optimum plug-in diffuser contains a new pheromone complex for enhanced serenity. It helps to solve common signs of stress including spraying, scratching, fear and conflict. Recommended by vets and behaviourists. F3 was the first pheromone to be synthetically reproduced and has proven to be effective in reducing most stress-related behaviours. These include urine spraying , scratching and meowing during short car journeys - making it a good option for those dreaded vet visits . Using Feliway as an example, studies show that the brand's original diffuser (Feliway Classic) helped to reduce urine marking in 9 out of 10 cats after four weeks. The Feliway Optimum diffuser boasts a new pheromone complex, with users reporting improvements in scratching, urine spraying, conflict, fear, hiding and stress associated with new situations. F4 has also been replicated and is sometimes used to introduce new additions to households. This helps to maintain harmony by essentially tricking cats into thinking a newcomer is someone they've met previously - sneaky! Other Glands Around the Body Base of the tail and along the tail (supracaudal). Around the anus. Area surrounding the teats (mammary). Between the pads of the paws (interdigital). Feline Appeasing Pheromone (CAP) Also known as the mother or cat appeasing pheromone, these are released by a queen after giving birth. Cats don't have to learn what pheromones are, they're born with the response. In fact, pheromones are first released to establish the mother and kitten bond. Remember, cats are born with their eyes closed so rely on other forms of identification and communication methods, including pheromones released by their mother. The feline appeasing pheromone is secreted in the glands around a queen's teats during lactation and has several functions: making kittens feel happy and secure, maintaining harmony within the litter and aiding identification in case kittens are separated. The CAP pheromone has been replicated for use in commercial calming products in the same way as F3 and aims to reduce tension and conflict between cats living in the same household. Feliway Friends (also known as Multicat) is the brand's third type of diffuser that targets behaviours such as blocking, chasing, stalking and staring. Feliway Friends and Optimum are only available in diffuser forms, whereas Classic has both a diffuser and spray version. Related post: 6 Best Cat Calming Sprays Feliway Friends plug-in diffuser mimics the pheromones that a mother cat releases to her kittens to help reduce tension and conflict in multi-cat households. Urine Urine contains a pheromone known as MMB which contributes to its distinctive odour. This is so cats can mark their territory and alert other cats of their presence, particularly intact males or females in heat. Spraying is more common in outdoor settings but may be observed within the home. This can be problematic for owners and often indicates that a cat is stressed. Anus Cats, and many other mammals, have two anal sacs that are located either side of the butthole just inside the sphincter. The anal glands fill these sacs with fluid which is released as an oily substance when they poop. This can be used to mark territorial boundaries in a behaviour called middening, where cats deliberately poop outside of the litterbox without burying it. It's similar to urine spraying but not as common and mostly seen in outdoor cats. The main purpose of anal pheromones goes back to the butt sniffing that all cats are known for. The anal glands produce a scent that's unique to the individual cat. This is used to identify one another and communicate information such as age, health and mood. Be careful, as fluid from the anal sacs can be ejected when cats are frightened or stressed and is described as having a pungent, fishy aroma. Cats can also develop complications if the anal glands don't empty properly, which over time can lead to swelling, abscesses and infection. In some cases, they may need expressing by a vet. Paws Cats have interdigital glands between the pads of their paws so they can deposit pheromones when they scratch . Similar to those found in urine, they're used as a form of territory marking. This is why scratch posts and mats are essential resources within the home. Wild cats use trees for the same purpose, as well as leaving visual markings to alert other cats. Related post: Cardboard and Sisal Cat Scratcher Reviews (Tried and Tested) Tail The supracaudal gland is located at the base of the tail on the upper surface and is involved in scent marking, attracting mates and social signalling. There's also a behaviour that cats engage in known as tail wrapping, which is used for bonding and scent swapping. You might think of tail wrapping like a handshake that humans use to greet each other. There's a popular video floating around the internet that captures two cats, one blind, running around the streets with their tails linked together. The non-blind cat, having taken on the role of escort, never leaves its buddy's side and ensures the path ahead is clear at all times. A heart-warming gesture that humans could learn a lot from! Scientific research shows that pheromones have a role in this friendly interaction. If your kitty decides to hug you with its tail, this is a super cute gesture of affection. Stud tail is a condition that causes greasiness, blackheads, hair loss and crusty or inflamed skin due to increased secretion of the supracaudal gland. It's most common in unneutered males but can occur in all cats. Pheromones and Aggression We know that pheromones impact social behaviour, and one study found a link between inflammation of the vomeronasal organ and aggression . This involved a necropsy of 20 cats, and those that had inflammation of the sensory epithelium (smell-detecting tissue) of the VNO were more likely to be aggressive towards other cats - but not humans. This fits in with the theory that pheromones are specific to feline-feline communication. Since behaviours like urine spraying and scratching are used to mark territorial boundaries, it seems that pheromones play a crucial role in avoiding unpleasant encounters and confrontation with other cats. Feliway Classic Spray contains pheromones that help to reduce common signs of stress. Can be used during major changes including renovations, travel and vet visits. Available in 20ml or 60ml bottles that are suitable for use at home or on the go. Those that live in colonies, which is common amongst feral or stray cats , are known to mark each other, as well as marking over each other's scents to keep non-colony cats away. This isn't a desire for companionship - as we know, cats are solitary by nature - but somewhat comparable to being in a lion pride. Colonies are typically found in towns and cities where prey is sparse, and many rely on humans for food or otherwise scavage human trash. These resources serve as gathering points for colony members, but that doesn't mean conflict won't erupt. It's more about survival, and cats know when they're onto something good! Back to the study, this evidence doesn't imply that all cats with aggressive tendencies have an inflamed VNO; but it's interesting as far as my own experiences with inter-cat aggression go, which you can read about here for more background. Simba's sniffing (Flehmen response) increased during and after a prolonged spell of redirected aggression , where he was under constant attack from his brother, Drax. This caused so much damage to their relationship that it was many months before Simba was ready to forgive - although I'm not convinced he'll ever truly forget! Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting I noticed that his "sniffing" was most prominent around the litter trays and, thanks to this funny little grimace, I was able to put my research hat on in order to comprehend exactly what was occurring. I can only surmise that he was overly sensitive to the pheromones in Drax's pee - as urine marking is typically territorial behaviour - it might have added to the stress he was already experiencing. In actual fact, with his big hobbit feet, Drax had a habit of collecting damp litter and trampling it around the house. Based on this, I took the initiative to disinfect the floors with a pet-safe cleaner. To my amazement, the sniffing stopped and the change in Simba's behaviour was instant. For the first time in months, the boys were hanging out and playing like old times. There was still a lot of work to do, but it was a huge leap forwards. The point to note is that by observing one simple behaviour, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of what Simba was doing, why he might be doing it and, most importantly, how to solve it. If my story helps just one stressed out kitty then it's a story worth telling! Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats Comfort Zone plug-in pheromone diffuser for single or multi-cat homes. Creates a calm, relaxing environment to help reduce stress and other problem behaviours, as well as tension and fighting between household cats. Pheromone Products As discussed, there are a range of pheromone products on the market including diffusers, sprays and collars. As well as targeting stress-related behaviours, they're commonly used in the short-term when making changes to a cat's environment; or during frightening events where their security might be compromised. Renovations, moving house, travel, fireworks and thunder are less than ideal situations for our feline friends. It's important to remember that pheromone therapy isn't a cure. Choosing the type of pheromone that's best suited to the behaviour you want to eliminate is a good start, but it may not be the right solution for all cats. You should always seek veterinary advice if cats are acting out of character, as stress-related behaviours - including aggression - can be a symptom of underlying health conditions. Pheromones are most effective when used as part of a treatment plan, which might include working alongside a behaviourist; medication or environmental changes. Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) Aside from pheromone diffusers and sprays, you can use your own cat's scent to boost comfort and happiness. To do this, rub a soft cloth over kitty's cheeks to collect their pheromones and then rub the cloth on objects around the home that they'd mark naturally: the corners of furniture, sofas, table and chair legs, etc. If your cat isn't impressed with having a cloth waved in its face, try offering it for inspection to see if they scent it themselves (most will be happy to!). You can use the reference image above to locate other facial glands and let kitty think you're petting it. For example, rubbing the cloth over its temples or under the chin where they enjoy being touched. If the cloth is really offensive - and believe me, it'd send my two wimps running from the room - then you could wear a glove so kitty doesn't know any better. You should mark objects a couple of times a day. Mentioned Products Feliway Classic 30 Day Starter Kit Comfort Zone Cat Calming Pheromone Collar Have you tried any pheromone products that you think are worth sharing? Help out fellow cat parents by listing them in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Cats are extremely good at hiding their stress or pain to keep themselves safe from predators in the wild, a trait that lives on in our domestic cats. Unfortunately, this makes it easy for owners to miss the signs or mistake abnormal behaviour for a cat acting out. A cat's stress response, also known as "fight or flight", is triggered by a release of hormones that prepares them for danger, such as running from a predator. However, cats are less well-adapted to deal with long-term chronic stress, and this plays a significant role in behavioural problems such as: Inappropriate elimination (urinating outside the litter tray, spraying, fouling). Overgrooming. Scratching. Excessive vocalisation. Hiding. Aggression. You might be surprised to learn that a cat's ability to cope with stressful situations develops before they're born. If a mother cat experiences stress during pregnancy - such as poor nutrition, illness or injury - then her kittens may be more prone to stress later in life than those who haven't been exposed to it in the womb. I can attest to this myself as a parent of two orphaned kittens that had to be hand-reared after rejection from their birth mother. Drax and Simba are the most skittish cats I've ever had, which has led to some rather problematic behaviour that you can read more about here . Aside from genetic predisposition, a cat's stress response can be affected by age, breed, sex and health. Other contributing factors include cats learning from previous experiences and their environment. Physical signs of chronic stress such as vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and skin problems are similar to digestive disorders. It's important to pay attention to every aspect of your cat's behaviour so the vet can rule out health concerns and find the most suitable treatment. Feline stress is extremely common and, in many cases, easily solved with a few simple changes. Recognising the potential triggers can go a long way in avoiding worst-case scenarios like rehoming, which is one of the most difficult decisions for a pet parent to make. Get to know other stress-related signs and symptoms in this detailed post: Signs of stress in Cats, Causes and Treatment 8 Causes of Feline Stress: Illness and Disease Changes to the Environment New People or Pets Territory and Resources Other Cats Separation Anxiety Boredom Fear Illness or Disease Since cats instinctively hide their pain, illness can trigger an emotional response - that response being stress. For example, a cat that's overgrooming could be experiencing pain in the area that it's focusing on; or it could simply have a flea infestation or allergy. If a cat has developed cystitis then it might start urinating outside the litter tray. Certain hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies can affect a cat's behaviour. Seniors may experience a decline in cognitive ability that leads to behaviours similar to those seen in dementia. It's important to rule out medical issues by getting cats checked over by a vet. Some common illnesses that contribute to stress include: Feline lower urinary tract disease. Dental problems. Arthritis. Changes to the Environment A cat's environment concerns their territory, which can be affected by numerous factors. The biggest and most obvious change is moving house, which is extremely stress-inducing for humans, let alone a cat that doesn't understand what's going on. Your cat will know every inch of its home: every piece of furniture and every nook, cranny, window and doorway. What's more, it will have scent marked most of those areas with its own specific pheromones so they're safe and familiar. If you're as observant as me, you might have noticed your cat's reaction upon spotting something that wasn't there before. I once left a vase of flowers on the mantelpiece and the moment Drax walked into the living room, his neck stretched up like a giraffe in what I can only describe as a fusion of apprehension and curiosity. Meanwhile, Simba will manically swat a stray shoe on the floor. These "changes" are insignificant or even unnoticeable to humans, and while my cats are rather extreme examples, you can see how they're ruled by instinct, first and foremost. That's not to say all cats are of such a nervous disposition. A curious kitty may sniff the invading object before moving on, while a confident kitty might ignore it completely. Major changes to the home can be more problematic: renovations, decorating, new furniture or even moving furniture around can affect a cat's sense of security by throwing a literal spanner into their works. Unfamiliar people coming and going, strange new smells and excessive noise is highly distressing for cats. Comfort Zone plug-in pheromone diffuser for single or multi-cat homes. Creates a calm, relaxing environment to help reduce stress and other problem behaviours, as well as tension and fighting between household cats. For this reason, it's best to keep cats away from any building work if possible. You can do this by blocking off the area or providing a private room away from the noise. Temporary residence with a friend or family member is another option, unless it's likely to cause your cat more stress. If this isn't possible, you might consider booking into a cattery on a short-term basis. If moving home, ensure cats have some of their old bedding, toys, litter trays and other resources as familiar objects. I highly recommend investing in a plug-in diffuser that emits synthetic pheromones, similar to what your cat would release naturally to scent mark its environment. Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) New People or Pets Changes to a cat's environment usually go hand in hand with a change of routine, as is the case with a new baby. We know cats are sensitive to sound and smell, and what are babies if not noisy, smelly creatures? Coupled with the lack of attention, which will all fall onto the new human, your cat may feel as though its territory is being completely taken over. You can aid the process with a gradual introduction, which starts before the baby arrives by allowing cats to inspect any new furniture and access to the nursery. The same would apply to new people if, for example, your partner moves into the household. It's perfectly fine to leave items of their clothing around so cats can familiarise themselves with the new smell before they move in full-time. Feliway Friends plug-in diffuser mimics the pheromones that a mother cat releases to her kittens to help reduce tension and conflict in multi-cat households. If your kitty is slightly antisocial and you have lots of visitors or host regular parties, it's crucial to follow the advice above by providing plenty of safe places, as well as asking people to kindly not maul your anxious cat. Of course, new additions to the home or family can extend to pets, and extra measures should be taken when introducing other cats to limit the chance of aggressive or territorial behaviours. This should be done by following the same strategy as outlined in the separation and reintroduction process . Territory and Resources If you thought dealing with one stressed kitty was complicated, try dealing with multiple kitties! Due to their independent natures, you could say that cats aren't built to live together - yet we know they can, as demonstrated in feral colonies and even lion prides. The wildcat is a solitary hunter and only seeks out other cats for the purpose of mating. Stray or feral cats band together out of convenience, as they're often fed by humans and learn where to get all the best scraps. By doing this, there's less chance of outsider cats or other colonies from encroaching on their food supply. It also offers greater protection from predators and mating availability. Much like house cats, colonies will create what's known as a "group scent" to keep intruders away, which further emphasises their territorial nature. However, this doesn't mean that all colony members live in harmony. While there may be some element of companionship, they're still looking out for number one! PawHut Cat Stand with a large polyester bed, jute scratching posts and two hanging pompoms. Stands at 42cm and made from sturdy particle board with a wide base to prevent toppling. Of course, we can't compare this life of survival to our domestic moggies because they're provided with food, shelter and care. Expecting cats to live in confined conditions is a far cry from their natural habitat, not to mention sharing that space with other cats not of their choosing and noisy humans. A cat's basic resources include food and water, litter trays, bedding , safe places (such as cat trees which double up as beds), scratch posts and toys. The amount you need will depend on how many cats are in the household. Can you imagine urgently needing the bathroom, only to find that it's already occupied? This is annoying for a human, let alone our territory-obsessed kitties. Related post: Small Cat Tree Stands and Towers for All Cats (Tried and Tested) It's often not enough to provide one resource per home but, rather, one resource per cat - plus one extra. For example, three cats would need four litter trays, four beds and so on. These should be spread around the house and placed away from busy areas to give cats the privacy they need. Related post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources Cats have a tendency to take their frustration out on their housemates by lashing out, which can lead to an offensive/defensive relationship. I encountered this problem with my own boys and it quickly became territorial, which was much harder to remedy. Signs of a territorial kitty aren't always obvious and could be described as passive-aggressive. One cat may guard or block access to resources, spread themselves across doorways and stare at the other cat in an attempt to intimidate them. This bullying behaviour can escalate into chasing, ambushing and full-contact fights. Visit What you have to figure out is if the problem is between the cats themselves or an external factor, so removing all potential stressors is a good place to start. This includes ensuring you have enough space for the amount of cats in the home, which you can increase by providing vertical climbing areas and cat-friendly shelves. Yaheetech Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tower has an adjustable height of 228-255cm. As well as multiple platforms, it contains two roomy condos; two baskets; a sisal ladder and built-in scratching mat. Learn more about the importance of resource sharing in this detailed post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats Other Cats We've spoken about resident cats, but what about strays and other cats in the neighbourhood? This isn't limited to those that have access to outdoors; just spotting an intruder through a window can trigger a territorial response. This is a classic example of redirected aggression , whereby kitty gets spooked or overstimulated and can't reach the source of the scare, so it lashes out at the nearest thing - usually, other resident cats. I've had this issue regularly over the last couple of years, not with other cats but loud noises like thunder or fireworks. If your cat has picked up the smell of an unfamiliar feline then it might start urine spraying to surround itself with its own scent and boost security. Recommended solutions include: Limiting outdoors time, particularly the hours of dusk and dawn when cats are most active and therefore likely to bump into one another. Cleaning yards, patios and exterior doors with a strong disinfectant. Covering cat flaps. Closing curtains where you think an intruder has been spotted or using self-adhesive privacy films. Related post: How to Stop Cats Spraying and Urine Marking Outside Your Home with 8 Tips Separation Anxiety This is more commonly associated with dogs who can be known to bark from the moment their owner leaves home until the moment they return. Cats too may engage in excessive vocalisation, but there are some other signs to be aware of. Urinating or pooping on a human's belongings in an attempt to scent mix. Urine spraying around the home. Overgrooming. Not eating or lack of appetite. Hiding. Separation-related behaviour is rare in cats but more likely to occur in single-pet households. Despite being content in their own company, there's less to do when their owners are absent and they're confined indoors. Beaphar Herbal Calming Treats contain hop flowers, Melissa and valerian which is known for its calming properties. They help to promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of stress including scratching, spraying and excessive vocalisation. In fact, cats that live strictly indoors are more prone to separation anxiety as they don't have access to outdoor space and are completely reliant on their owners for food, water and entertainment. This can result in a much deeper attachment, as is the case with bonded cats that may display similar behaviours after losing a companion. Some cats thrive on physical contact and become stressed when they don't get it or are left alone for long periods of time, particularly if it falls out of their normal routine. Others are more solitary and too much physical contact can leave them in a state of anxiety or arousal. Therefore, it also depends on the personality of the cat in question Some other factors that can affect cats are being separated from their mother too soon, hand-rears and spending a lot of time in shelters which contributes to insecurity. Boredom Domestic cats are generally less active than their wild counterparts, but this is even more the case with indoor cats who don't get the opportunity to climb, hunt and explore. A sedentary lifestyle affects much more than physical health - even humans are encouraged to exercise to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. Cats need to exhibit their natural behaviours, which is best achieved through play . Related post: Cat Enrichment Ideas and Boredom Breakers for Indoor Cats Cats are known for their ability to sleep for sixteen hours a day. There is a purpose to this, but since our domestic kitties have no need to hunt for food or escape predators at any given moment, they need to burn off energy in other ways. From teaser wands to catnip mice and interactive toys, check out these 12 types of cat toys and games for inspiration. Lack of stimulation can be especially problematic in multi-cat households as it's more likely for conflict to break out. Whether that's a young or hyperactive cat terrorising an older cat; two cats squabbling over territory or no appropriate channel for their energy, play has a crucial role in minimising inter-cat aggression . Fear Fear is often a trigger for acute stress, such as fireworks on New Year, which is more easily remedied because you know the cause. Remember, a cat's first instinct is to run from danger, so they should have plenty of hiding places to retreat to, away from other cats and humans. As tempting as it is to soothe your frightened cat, this can risk it becoming overstimulated and attacking. Of course, if kitty seeks comfort or attention then by all means offer it, but otherwise it's never a good idea to try and pick up a cat that's shaking, panting, growling or hissing - unless it's in immediate danger. As mentioned, pheromone diffusers, calming sprays and other products can help during particularly stress-inducing events. Visit Fear-based stress can also be chronic, as we see in cats that have been abused or traumatised. This could be due to previous bad experiences with humans or lack of socialisation, as is often seen in street cats. As shocking as it is to think that people are capable of harming animals, rehabilitation usually requires intense behavioural therapy. This can take a lot of time, patience and money if you're working with a behaviourist, yet it's one of the most rewarding processes. For carers, seeing an animal that was previously terrified of humans or spent all day hiding under a bed begin to integrate with people and other animals is an achievement like no other. Equally, the animal gets to experience the love and care it was previously denied.   Mentioned Products Yaheetech Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tower Iokheira Interactive Cat Toy Pet Remedy Party Season Survival Kit Have you got a stressed kitty at home? Share your experiences and solutions to help out fellow parents or get in touch for more help and advice.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: What Are Pheromones? Why Use a Cat Pheromone Diffuser? Do Pheromone Diffusers Actually Work? Feliway Cat Pheromone Diffuser More Do Cat Pheromones Affect Humans? Are Pheromone Diffusers Safe? Other Pheromone Products Raise your hand if you've clicked on a pheromone diffuser product and immediately skipped to the reviews section to scroll through hundreds of ratings in the hopes of finding that ONE miracle cure that stops your cats from fighting (*raises hand*). If you're new to the concept of these cat calming plug-ins and haven't got a clue what I'm rambling about, let's start with the basics. What Are Pheromones? Pheromones are chemicals that cats release from glands around their bodies through scent marking, particularly the cheeks, lips and chin. Although odourless, they can be detected by other cats and used as signals or messages, making them a valuable source of communication. You’ve probably seen your cat rubbing its face on objects, other cats and even you – congratulations, you’ve had the honour of being marked as safe and familiar! There are some other types of pheromones, such as those found in urine and between the pads of a cat's paws, which they use to mark their territory. Most diffusers you’ll find on the market contain synthetic pheromones that mimic those produced in the facial glands that make cats feel safe, secure and comfortable. Clever, right? Related post: What Are Cat Pheromones and How Do They Work? Why Use a Cat Pheromone Diffuser? Pheromone products are designed to help cats feel more relaxed and reduce anxiety-related behaviours like scratching , overgrooming, hiding, urinating outside the litterbox and spraying (territory marking). They also claim to diminish stress associated with new situations such as moving house; introducing other cats, pets or babies; and fireworks. Diffusers are plugged into a wall socket and the artificial pheromones are slowly released. The most well-known brand that comes highly recommended by vets is Feliway , but there are more cost-effective optio ns: Comfort Zone an d Beaphar , amongst others. Comfort Zone plug-in pheromone diffuser for single or multi-cat homes. Creates a calm, relaxing environment to help reduce stress and other problem behaviours, as well as tension and fighting between household cats. Using Feliway as an example, it’s recommended that diffusers are used for 3-4 weeks for best results, although many owners see effects within the first 7 days (other brands may vary). They're suitable for short-term use, such as in preparation for a house move; and long-term to tackle ongoing anxiety or conflict. While there are hundreds, if not thousands of success stories and testimonials from pet owners, the effectiveness of pheromone therapy is debatable. Do Pheromone Diffusers Actually Work? This is the ultimate question, but the answer isn't a simple one. In short, scientists have identified five feline facial pheromones (FFP) present in the lips, cheeks and chin areas, known as F1-F5, that serve individual functions. For example, F3 can be used to reduce stress and the associated behaviours as mentioned above; while F4 essentially tricks cats into thinking a newcomer is someone or something they’ve previously encountered, thus minimising inter-cat aggression . (Source: Wikipedia ) This suggests that effectiveness is based on the type of pheromone emitting from diffusers, as well as the type of behaviour a cat is exhibiting. Most diffusers mimic the F3 pheromone which may help an anxious cat to chill out and even reduce tension in multi-cat households, but it won't eliminate the root cause of aggression. Cats may still fight if a trigger exists, such as competition for resources or spotting the local stray through a window. Related post: Aggressive Behaviour in Cats: 8 Types and Causes What works for one cat might not work for another, which is perhaps why there are so many conflicting reviews. Pheromone products don’t claim to be a miracle cure and shouldn’t be used as such. They work best alongside other changes such as environmental modifications or medical intervention, if necessary. Feliway Optimum plug-in diffuser contains a new pheromone complex for enhanced serenity. It helps to solve common signs of stress including spraying, scratching, fear and conflict. Recommended by vets and behaviourists. Feliway Cat Pheromone Diffuser If there's one brand you've heard of in regards to pheromone products, it's likely to be Feliway. Known as the number one clinically-proven cat behavioural product, Feliway is backed by over 25 years of science and research into pet welfare. As of now there are three types of Feliway plug-ins: Classic, Optimum and Friends (Multicat in the USA). Feliway Classic mimics the feline facial pheromone (FFP) which cats produce when rubbing their face and cheeks against objects in their environment. Feliway Friends contains a synthetic version of feline appeasing pheromones (CAP): those a mother naturally releases to her kittens after birth. Similar to FFP, these are used to make kittens feel safe and protected but also aid identification, bonding and harmonious interactions between littermates. Feliway Friends is recommended for multi-cat households to minimise tension and conflict. Related post:   Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats Feliway Optimum is the most popular diffuser, which contains a brand new pheromone complex that has been proven to calm cats better than ever. It contains a blend of feline pheromones that are designed to address a wider range of behavioural issues. Having tried both Optimum and Friends, you can read a full review of Feliway plug-ins ; as well as a comparison with some other well-known brands. Feliway Friends plug-in diffuser mimics the pheromones that a mother cat releases to her kittens to help reduce tension and conflict in multi-cat households. Do Cat Pheromones Affect Humans? Feline pheromones have no effect on other pets or humans as we don't have a specialised organ for detecting them, nor is there any odour from the diffusers themselves. There is, however, a growing interest in the subject of pheromones impacting humans, despite products claiming otherwise. Studies now suggest that we may be able to detect pheromones subconsciously, with a potential for influencing human behaviour. Some companies have started selling pheromone-based products, including candles and fragrances, to enhance mood and happiness. However, scientific evidence is limited and still a huge topic of debate. Most diffusers are paraffin-based, so people who are sensitive to the substance may experience headaches or allergic reactions. Are Pheromone Diffusers Safe? Yes, pheromone products are formulated especially for cats and pose no risk to their health. The only thing to be cautious of is the safety of the device itself. As with any plug-in diffuser, it works by heating the liquid so it travels up the length of the reed to permeate the air. It's normal for diffusers to feel warm, but anything involving a flame or heat - particularly electrical appliances - should be carefully monitored for overheating or burning. Visit Although rare, some people complain of burning smells coming from diffusers and dark patches on the surrounding wall; but this could be a residue from the oil itself. For safety, manufacturers advise replacing plugs every 6-12 months and not leaving empty diffusers plugged in. Once they run out, use a refill or switch it off at the socket. Some diffusers have an automatic shut-off if problems are detected, but we shouldn't rely on this alone. Diffusers are suitable for wall sockets only, with no adaptors or cables. They should be safe it you follow the manufacturer's instructions. It goes without saying that any liquid will cause harm if ingested, so remember to check for leakages or spills. Pet Remedy plug-in diffuser contains a low concentration of valerian and essential oils to work with a cat's natural calming mechanisms when tackling stress and anxiety. Ideal for most pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and birds. Other Pheromone Products As well as diffusers, you can get sprays and wipes for a more immediate “hit” that can be used on things like bedding, cat trees, baskets and carriers prior to a vet visit or other stressful situ ation. Feliway Classic Spray contains the same pheromones as the diffuser version and is available in 20ml or 60ml bottles. For a more natural alternative, it’s worth mentioning that Pet Remedy  offers products containing valerian, known for its relaxing properties, and other essential oils. These work with pets’ natural calming systems to make them less reactive to stressful situations, and their effects start to help immediately. With the added benefit of not being cat specific, you can use Pet Remedy diffusers and sprays on other animals such as dogs, rodents and birds. Dog pheromone products are also available and can be used in conjunction with cats for multi-pet households. Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) Cat pheromone diffusers and similar products are a helpful tool in managing problem behaviours, whether anxiety related or reducing tension and conflict within multi-cat households. However, they're not intended to replace traditional treatments or medications. If cats are showing signs of stress then it could be an underlying illness or injury. Your first point of call should always be a registered vet. Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting Mentioned Products Feliway Classic 30 Day Starter Kit Feliway Classic Pheromone Spray Have you tried any of the diffusers mentioned or think you've found a better alternative? Share your experiences and feedback in the comments to help out fellow cat parents.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I've said it a million times throughout this site: cat fights are one of the most stressful and complex issues for a pet parent to deal with, and before long it's not just your cats at war but your entire household. Reintroducing cats after a fight or helping them to get along requires patience, persistence and near constant encouragement; but the good news is that it can be achieved with the right strategy. Armed with my own personal experiences, I'm sharing everything you need to know about how to successfully separate and reintroduce cats. Whether it's a one-off incident or a more long-standing problem, I'll carry you over those hurdles and navigate obstacles to the best of my ability. The more kitties we can help together, the better! Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting 6 Steps for Reintroducing Cats After a Fight: Separation Site Swapping Reintroduction ​ Distraction Food Play Also in this article: When Do I Need to Separate Cats? How Long Should I Keep Cats Apart After a Fight? Why Is Scent Important to Cats? My Home Isn't Practical for Site Swapping, Is There Anything Else I Can Do? More .... How Do I Know When It's Safe to Reintroduce Cats? How to Create Positive Associations Why Food and Play Are Important When Introducing or Reintroducing Cats Allowing Visual Contact How to Use Treats to Distract Cats from Fighting How Do I Safely Introduce Cats? How Long Will It Take My Cats to Get Along? Should I Discipline Cats for Fighting? How to Break Up a Cat Fight Long-Term Solutions for Aggression Between Cats Summary 1. Separation When Do I Need to Separate Cats? The separation and reintroduction process can apply to cats that are already acquainted with each other or when bringing new pets into the household. Sometimes it can simply be a case of one cat going for a vet visit or being away for a period of time, thus it becomes a case of non-recognition or redirected aggression . Cats are armed with fangs and claws; they're born hunters which means they're designed to kill. Leaving cats to "fight it out" amongst themselves could be deemed unwise and irresponsible as a guardian. If aggression is physical - that is, full-contact fights with a potential to cause injury - then separation is necessary to build new and positive associations with each other. Whether you're reintroducing cats after a fight or welcoming a new kitten, puppy or baby - both scenarios follow the same principles, whereby we’re treating them as if they’re meeting for the first time. How Long Should I Keep Cats Apart After a Fight? ​ Any separation period will give cats a chance to cool off and de-stress - something we humans can resonate with, too. Some cats just need a 10-minute break, but where aggression is persistent or long-lasting then it’s recommended to keep them separated for 24-48 hours. In extreme cases, it can take weeks rather than days. Again, you know your cats better than anyone. ​ If you find that the reintroduction phase isn’t going well then you may be pushing your cats too fast, in which case try extending the separation time. I know it can feel deflating going back to square one, but you’re not going to resolve things any quicker by forcing cats into situations they aren’t ready for. In fact, this could damage their relationship further. There should be NO visual contact during separation. 2. Site Swapping ​ Why Is Scent Important to Cats? Site swapping involves rotating cats around different rooms or areas of the home, if possible. This allows them to spread their scents and maintain a sense of familiarity with other cats, even when they're not in direct contact. The same applies when introducing new cats to the home, it’s all part of the preparation. Any foreign smells are going to alert resident cats to a potential invader, so it’s essential that we create a safe and comfortable environment for that initial meeting; after all, first impressions are everything! We know cats are territorial and we know they rely on scent as a valuable form of communication, hence why they should never see each other before being acquainted by smell. My Home Isn't Practical for Site Swapping, Is There Anything Else I Can Do? If the setup of your home doesn’t allow for site rotations then you can swap things like blankets, bedding and toys or rub a towel over one cat and place it in the other cat’s space, paying special attention to the face, mouth and chin where those important scent glands lie. If your cats like to be brushed , you can use the same comb on both cats so their scents are on each other. Some buildings may be more problematic than others, such as studio apartments which generally don’t have doors. In this case, you could look into room dividers or baby gates that slot into hallways, staircases and archways - remembering not to stack one on top of the other as I’ve seen some people do. This is dangerous for both animals and humans! For the living room, I used the Venture Q-Fix Extra Tall Baby Gate which my boys have never jumped over, but they're not particularly energetic cats and would be too scared to try. If you're concerned about your kitties attempting the great escape, you can buy extenders for extra height or get creative with materials such as cardboard and Perspex. With some DIY skills you might be able to construct your own barrier, which is what we ended up doing for the stairs - Victorian houses don’t mix well with modern gadgets. A simple made-to-measure wooden frame and chicken wire worked well. Yes it was ugly, but still one of the most helpful aids when reintroducing the boys. The main advantage of a gate over a door is allowing visual contact later on. In the meantime, it can be covered with a blanket, curtain, towel or any kind of fabric that blocks off sight. If your cats are anything like mine and decide to pull up the corners to create spyholes, a bit of tape should do the trick. ​ I cannot stress enough the importance of no visual contact in those early stages. Cats are curious creatures and this is a great opportunity to bring that out. Just what, or who, is on the other side of that barrier? Is it a friend or foe? Do we have a potential playmate? Let your kitties know that good stuff happens whenever they’re together, which brings us to the next phase. Shop Pet Furniture → 3. Reintroduction If you want your cats to do anything for you then, as with any living creature, food is one of the best motivators. If you’ve read My Story then you’ll know I faced the additional problem of switching Drax to urinary food, not to mention that both of my boys are grazers, preferring small but regular snacks throughout the day instead of set mealtimes. Knowing what I know now, if I could go back in time and not free feed my boys then it’s the first thing I’d change, as this was a wasted opportunity! Related post: How to Change a Cat's Food with 10 Tasty Tips How Do I Know When It's Safe to Reintroduce Cats? If cats have been separated after fighting, wait until they're visibly calmer as this indicates that any adrenaline has left the system. They shouldn't be hissing, growling, tensed up, hunched, cowering, hiding or pacing around. You should be able to pet cats as usual and they'll be comfortable with any new scents. This may mean inspecting blankets and bedding - or on the contrary, ignoring them! If you witness any swatting or hissing at objects that smell of another cat then they're not ready for the next stage. Likewise, if they display any aggressive or fearful behaviour when hearing cats in a different room, extend the separation time by another 12 hours. 2 in 1 Cat Basket made from wear-resistant cattail weaving with removeable plush cushions. Can be used as a comfy sleeping area or scratching basket. Very spacious for larger cats and easy to clean. 4. Distraction ​ How to Create Positive Associations Positive associations or "reinforcements" are an effective way to train cats by using rewards to encourage desired behaviours. Usually this would be whatever best motivates your cat: for example, offering its favourite treat whenever it uses a scratch post instead of clawing your carpet. Kitty will learn to associate this behaviour with something positive - i.e., the treat - so now it loves using its scratch post. Timing is critical here: the reward must be given immediately before a cat's attention wavers to the next thing. If your cat isn't motivated by food then you can use petting, playtime or any kind of positive attention to place emphasis on the behaviour. A word of warning: this is also true for negative associations if, for example, you shout at a cat for fighting then it'll associate that fear with the other cat. Why Food and Play Are Important When Introducing or Reintroducing Cats Food and play are the easiest forms of distraction for an aggressive kitty, and it also helps to build those positive associations. Both are driven by one basic instinct: hunting. In the wild, cats have to catch their prey before they can eat it. A hungry cat is going to be more interested in food than fighting, which takes up energy in itself. I’ve actually witnessed my boys stop growling at each other for a snack, just to pick up their argument afterwards! Meals are the best time to begin introductions or reintroductions, starting with feeding cats simultaneously either side of your chosen barrier. To make a cat extra hungry, you can tire them out with play. I can hear you now: “ But, Rach, my cats won’t play! ” ​ Your cats WILL play, and this post on how to play with cats gives all the pointers and advice you need. ​ I can tell you, however, that I had the same issue. My boys liked to pick and choose their playtimes which, of course, would always be when the other was sleeping. That’s if they wanted to play at all, which 90% of the time was a hard no. Even if cats won't play together, just creating a positive environment where they can observe each other in a neutral setting is a step in the right direction. They'll learn to be in the same space without the focus being on each other (or fighting) and once they're comfortable, you can work on extending play to include both cats. 5. Food ​ Maintaining that no-visual rule, you can begin feeding your cats either side of the barrier. Start by leaving a distance of six to eight feet each way, or however much space you can allow. If all goes well, i.e., cats finish their bowls without any signs of tension or fear, gradually reduce that distance over the following meals. Our aim is to get both cats to a point where they’re eating comfortably right next to the barrier. Whether it takes a day or a week will depend on your cats, but try not to get hung up on timing. What’s important is creating that positive association and reassurance that no one has to compete for vital resources. Allowing Visual Contact Upon successful completion of this step, it’s time for some visual contact. When I say some, I’m talking minimal to begin with. No whipping off that sheet or you risk all of your hard work being undone. Raise the sight blocker by an inch or two, or if you’re using a door then open it a crack - barely wide enough for kitty to squeeze its paw through. ​ This is a good chance to test the waters, so if their attention wavers or they start showing signs of aggression, calmly direct their focus back to the food. An extra pair of hands may be helpful so both cats are being supervised, but remember too that a bit of hissing is perfectly natural. Your cats are warning each other to stay back so everyone knows their place - whether those places are acknowledged is another matter! Again, the process should be repeated for as long as necessary, gradually raising the blanket until there’s full visual contact and eventually * gasp * no barrier at all. If you’re not quite there yet or, like me, food just isn’t tempting enough, do not fear because there are plenty of other distractions to try. How to Use Treats to Distract Cats from Fighting With neither of my boys being big eaters, and a blatant disregard for change, I focused more on treats; although this comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you start throwing treats at a hissing cat then it’s going to continue being a hissing cat. Don’t send mixed messages by rewarding aggression, especially when it’s directed at a fellow housemate. Treats should be offered in the presence of both cats and to reinforce good behaviour. I say “good” but cats don’t perceive aggression as bad (or good). It’s part of their survival instinct, whether triggered by an external stressor or as we see in certain hormonal and neurological conditions. Treats were especially useful when managing Drax, as the main aggressor or “chaser”. For example, I’d use his favourite Dreamies treat biscuits as a distraction while Simba either walked past him or crossed from one side of a room to the other. He’d gobble up the treats while keeping a beady eye on his brother, which I’m sure was as terrifying for Simba as it was for me - the referee. During these supervised meetings, if Drax could resist the temptation to lunge at Simba then he was given another treat, along with petting and praise from Mum. I’ll say it again: attention can be a reward! Dreamies Cat Snacks are crunchy on the outside with a creamy filling. Flavours include chicken, cheese, duck, beef, salmon, turkey, tuna and catnip. Free from additives and less than 2kcal per treat! Eventually, Drax began to ignore his brother - or just grew bored - but either way it didn’t solve the larger issue. As with those pesky counter surfers, they’ll just wait until no one’s around to stop them and do it anyway. It was, however, a step in the right direction; and a short relief from chasing two screaming cats around the house. 6. Play ​ To pick up on another form of distraction, you can use play in conjunction with treats. All of those pounces and leaps consume energy, and you want to encourage as much of this positive behaviour as your kitty can manage. The more they exhaust on play, the less they’ll have for fighting. It’s important to play with cats separately as well as together, this way they get your undivided attention and a bonding session with other cats. We don’t want anyone feeling left out! A laser pointer is perfect for controlling play, especially during separation as you can direct cats towards the barrier and have them running and chasing either side of it. If you have a second person to entertain both cats, use whatever toys they prefer to keep that momentum going. I had a barrier positioned so that one cat had run of the stairs for extra exercise, but hallways and landings work just as well. Once they’re all tired out, now would be an ideal feeding time. Related post: 12 Types of Cat Toys and Games for All Cats to Play All of these steps have the additional purpose of getting cats into a routine so they know, and hopefully anticipate, what’s coming. Building excitement can certainly be difficult for lazy cats, but it really works. Tyasoleil Interactive Cat Toy inspires natural hunting instincts with unpredictable motion patterns. Rotating feathers can be placed under the plastic cover or attached to the top of cat trees. Includes 3 speed settings and is USB rechargeable. To make things more awkward, my boys favoured completely different toys. Simba was all mice and feather wands; Drax liked to chase crinkle balls and a random pompom. Interactive toys can be a godsend, just push a button and it does the work for you. Even if cats aren’t interested in playing, movement and sound are distraction enough. For playtime on a budget, check out these quick and easy DIY cat toy s . Keep a blanket handy for any outbursts and block off sight if necessary. This should be enough to snap them out of it or, worst-case scenario, usher them into different rooms. Remember, allowing some time to cool off and start over is perfectly fine. Best-case scenario, all goes well and it’s time to ditch the barrier completely. This is undoubtedly the most challenging step, not just for you but for your cats. This should only be attempted if cats can share a space with full visual contact, no aggression and most importantly, no death stares! If you can’t distract them with a barrier then you certainly won’t be able to do it without one. Related post: Aggression vs Play: How to Tell If Cats Are Playing or Fighting Visit How Do I Safely Reintroduce Cats? Stick to short supervised meetings limited to one room and gradually extend that area over time. It’s only natural to want to give kitties the benefit of the doubt, but that means you’re working on your timeframe instead of theirs. If things go downhill after removing the barrier then keep it in place, even if cats appear to be getting along. Don't expect too much because, chances are, your cats are still working things out. Sometimes you need to give them the freedom to do this. We also need to think of victim cats that can be prone to anxiety and depression. Simba was so on edge that he’d react to the slightest movement or vocalisation from Drax, even when it was harmless. We don’t want to normalise living in fear as this can cause as much psychological damage as a fight can cause physical injury. Your scaredy-cat needs assurance that it isn’t going to be ambushed on its way to the litter tray, and bullies need a positive channel for their energy. The more Simba’s confidence grew, the more he stopped reacting to Drax’s bullying. The less he ran, the less reason Drax had to chase. I’ve spoken previously about cat fights looking and sounding worse than they are, but that doesn’t lessen the stress that can build up over time. Timing is everything here, especially when it comes to cats reacquainting with one another. If cats do engage in a hissing and spitting war upon reintroduction and are unable to work things out within a couple of minutes, they probably aren’t going to - at least, not for the meantime. Prevention is better than intervention, so the best course of action is to defuse the situation with a separation and reset. Recovery should be a lot quicker than if a full-contact fight was to ensue. This should help to reduce tension until episodes become less in frequency and intensity. In extreme cases I’ve seen people use crates, carriers and harnesses to secure an offending cat. This allows a safe introduction where cats can share a space without the risk of an attack. They should be rotated so each has a chance to inspect the other. For example, if you have a victim cat then place it inside a carrier while the other cat is left loose, or keep it on a harness if it shows any aggression towards the victim. Remember to familiarise them with any new enclosures just as you would when preparing them for a vet visit . Related post: How to Harness Train Cats for Walking on a Leash Safely Feliway Classic Spray contains pheromones that help to reduce common signs of stress. Can be used during major changes including renovations, travel and vet visits. Available in 20ml or 60ml bottles that are suitable for use at home or on the go. How Long Will It Take My Cats to Get Along? As mentioned frequently in this article alone, cats have their own timeline and we shouldn't put any expectations on them to ever get along. If you don't like the person you're living with then you have the option of moving out or engaging in a civilised discussion about how to deal with any problems. You have your own room, your own food and the freedom to come and go as you please. Now imagine that person bursting into your private space and throwing their weight around. Helping themselves to your food, sleeping in your bed, maybe even slapping you over the head whenever you walk past. How uncomfortable and frustrating does it feel? How angry would you get over time? If we're going to expect animals to put up with things that we ourselves would never tolerate, the least we can do is allow them to express those feelings and make necessary changes - such a s adding more territory . The wonderful thing about animals is that they don't make enemies out of pettiness or dislike; jealousy, greed or any of those things that humans are guilty of. They're simply fighting for their survival and their territory. It's hard to predict how things will play out and, the truth is, your cats probably don’t know either. Depending on the nature of the aggression and how deep it runs, they may temporarily “forget” they’re friends, for which it’s our job to remind them. Trust has to be earned, and whether that takes weeks or months is down to your cats. One day they might just decide to make up, which I’ve witnessed countless times with my own. The separation and reintroduction process can be as long or as short as it needs to be, and success comes in many forms. If cats aren't trying to kill each other as soon as they enter a room, that's progress! Any kind of positive interaction, however brief, is a sign that you're on the right track. Should I Discipline Cats for Fighting? Yelling at or punishing cats will exacerbate the situation and create negative associations with both yourself and other cats. Rewarding good behaviour is far more effective in the long-run and will encourage kitties to do more of it. We shouldn't be treating cats like dogs, who want nothing more than to please their owners. Frankly, cats couldn't give a damn about pleasing anyone but themselves! Telling a cat "no" is likely to be as detrimental as yelling, as your cat won't have a clue what you're saying; but it will associate the word with a negative experience. Cats can and do remember words, as I can attest to with my own boys who have a very select vocabulary. Words related to food, toys, treats and other things that peak their interest in a positive way stick in their little brains like glue. That's not to say they understand the word itself, but they can comprehend other things like tone of voice and mannerisms. It's basically the equivalent to humans interpreting the vocalisations of a cat: for example, it's easy to tell the difference between an "I'm hungry" or "play with me" meow and a cry of fear or distress. In short, don't underestimate your kitties. “Discipline” can consist of something as simple as ignoring your cat. Our furry friends crave attention, whether they show it or not; and encouraging negative behaviour is a mistake made by many, including myself. How many times have you lifted your cat off the kitchen counter? If you think you’re the one in control then think again, because you’re probably doing exactly what he or she wants you to do. Attention, good or bad, provides no deterrent for a cat. How to Break Up a Cat Fight When breaking up fights, a swift and calm separation is all that's necessary. If cats haven't engaged in a physical altercation but are showing signs of aggression , using a sight blocker is recommended. Keep a piece of cardboard handy such as a flattened box, or a cushion to place between cats. This is safer for everyone, especially where cat-to-human aggression is present. It's also less intrusive than wading in or grabbing, which could scare cats into reacting. Sometimes this may be enough to distract them but, if not, then usher cats into different rooms until tension has eased and ensure there are plenty of hiding places. PawHut 2-Tier Cat Tower stands at 91cm and features a large top bed with removable cushion and a middle perch. Thick sisal scratch post and particle board frame is sturdy for larger cats. Where cats are having a full-contact fight, don't use your hands to separate them. This is easier said than done in the heat of the moment, but try using a long-handled object such as a broom or throwing a blanket over one or both cats. They should be kept apart in this instance and left to cool off in their own time, as trying to soothe an aggressive kitty can be dangerous to your hands and body. Ignore cats for at least 10 minutes - I know, it feels like a lifetime - but the more emphasis you place on any particular behaviour, the more they're likely to remember it. Providing plenty of hiding places is a more effective way to help your kitty feel safe. Long-term Solutions for Aggression Between Cats While it's possible for cats to return to a normal, healthy relationship, we must be prepared to make some long-term changes to a cat's routine and/or environment. Once aggression has erupted, it's more likely to happen again in the future - but this isn't always the case. Separation and reintroduction can be a solution for many but, for others, it's part of a longer process to restoring peace and harmony within the home. When managing feline aggression , the most important things to focus on are eliminating competition for resources by offering more food and water stations; sleeping areas, litter trays and toys. You can also add more territory such as cat trees and stands, shelving and window hammocks. Placement is important, and you can find everything you need to know in this post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources Feliway Friends plug-in diffuser mimics the pheromones that a mother cat releases to her kittens to help reduce tension and conflict in multi-cat households. For reducing anxiety and stress, plug-in diffusers target a cat's pheromone receptors to bring feelings of safety and comfort within their environment. Calming sprays, such as Pet Remedy , contain valerian which is known for its relaxing properties; as well as wipes, collars and food supplements. Medications for anxiety can be discussed with your local vet. Related post: 6 Best Cat Calming Sprays Remember, cats may never be best friends but toleration and avoidance are an achievement, too. Some areas of the home can make this difficult, such as those dreaded narrow spaces we always talk about: doorways and halls. If possible, block off any problem zones or give cats a timeout from each other with a mini separation. This allows them to explore and play without having to worry about potential confrontations. If your home isn't big enough then take it in turns by shutting one cat in a room, similar to site swapping. This will help to burn off energy and limit feelings of frustration from inactivity. Summary Where aggression is physical and persistent, separate cats for 24-48 hours in the first instance. Use site swapping or rotate items such as blankets and bedding so cats can familiarise themselves with new scents. Install a suitable barrier to introduce or reintroduce cats with no visual contact. Start feeding cats either side of the barrier until they're comfortable up close with no signs of tension or fear. Gradually allow visual contact using play, food or treats to distract cats. Remove the barrier and introduce cats under supervision. There should be no hissing or growling. Stick to short meetings and monitor cats' behaviour, slowly extending the area over time. Ensure plenty of resources are available to eliminate competition (beds, food stations, litter trays, etc). Provide a stimulating environment with toys, scratch posts and exercise. Add more territory such as cat trees, shelves, stands, ramps and window hammocks to help cats stay out of each other's ways. Recognise signs of aggression and separate if necessary. Remain calm and reinforce positive behaviour. Give cats the time and space they need! Visit If, like me, you’re constantly beating yourself up over what you did wrong, not doing enough, doing too much - remember, we’re only human. These steps can always be repeated and once you’ve got a process or routine that works for your cats, stick to it. Be patient, be consistent and allow an adequate amount of time for any tension or adrenaline to leave the system before reintroducing cats. That goes for you, too! Cats will pick up on your emotional state, be it through the tone of your voice, gestures or their own super senses. Provoking a cat fight by overreacting or reacting too soon is a mistake we’re all bound to make.   That being said, there are many other factors to consider: your own mental health, as well as that of your cat’s. There’s no defeat in finding your kitties a happy home elsewhere. Discover more helpful strategies in this personal account of how I successfully reintroduced my cats and the top 10 products I used. Mentioned Products Venture Q-Fix Extra Tall Baby Gate Cakkone 7-in-1 Cat Laser Pointer FEANDREA Large Cat Tree Furjoy Cat Cave Are you currently going through the separation and reintroduction process? Have you developed any strategies of your own? Let us know in the comments and share what you've learned to help and advise others.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on extensive research into products, brands, customer feedback and my own reviews wherever applicable. Most Recommended View ⇨ Yeowww Banana Singles Cat Toy 🏅 Top Recommended View ⇨ Cuckoo Catnip 🥇   Best Dried Blend View ⇨ 6 Pack Catnip Mice 🥈   Best Value View ⇨ SUPERFA 3 Pack Catnip Toys 🥉   Best for Kittens Catnip comes in many forms, from dried blends and sprays to stuffed toys and edible balls! Most kitty parents will recognise the effects of this magical substance: nuzzling, licking, sniffing, rolling - not forgetting about those zoomies, which can be as entertaining for us as it is for them. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family that contains the active ingredient, nepetalactone. When sniffed, this binds to a cat's olfactory receptors (smell detectors) that send signals to an area of the brain that's responsible for sexual behaviour. It's thought that the brain interprets them as pheromones , which triggers a rush of endorphins that makes cats happy and excitable. Visit Catnip is often used to aid interaction with toys, stimulate playful behaviour, provide enrichment , promote relaxation and reduce stress . Effects are temporary but not all cats respond to the substance - in fact, studies show that around 30% of cats are immune. Kittens under 6 months are usually unresponsive because their brains aren't developed enough to react to nepetalactone, so it's best to wait until they're a bit older. Want to know more about catnip and its more potent competitor, silvervine? Check out this pawsome post: Silvervine vs Catnip: Which Is Best for Cats? 15 Best Catnip Toys: Cuckoo Catnip Mew & Friends Catnip Mew & Friends Catnip Spray STARROAD-TIM Edible Catnip Balls Pet Touch Catnip Fun Bubbles Aibuddy Catnip Fish Chew Toy Bojafa 3 Pack of Cat Catnip Toy s 6 Pack Catnip Mouse Toys SUPERFA 3 Pack Catnip Toys More Catstages Krazy Kale Dental Catnip Cat Chew Toy WufWuf MyMeow Krazy Carrot Refillable Cat Toy KONG Feather Catnip Mouse Catstages Squeak Squeak Mouse Plush Catnip Toy Yeowww Banana Singles Cat Toy Aidiyapet Cat Toys for Indoor Cats Best Catnip Toys ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cuckoo Catnip (50g) Cuckoo Catnip is a natural, non-addictive way to promote exercise, play and relaxation for your kitty. It can boost mood to reduce nervousness and help with depression, anxiety and boredom. This strong, organic catnip is imported from Canada and packaged in the UK with resealable and recyclable bags. The catnip is ground and filtered into a fine blend and comes with a "no stalk" guarantee. Stalks can be a choking hazard and don't contain the active ingredient, nepetalactone. Only buds and leaves are used to ensure the blend is as strong as it can be. This is generally very effective on cats, with a strong smell and potency; however, since it's more powdery than other brands, it may cause cats to sneeze. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 Based on 2,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Strong catnip. ✕ Powdery blend can be messy. ✓ No stalks. ✕ Some report a minty smell. ✓ Long-lasting. ✓ Large bag. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mew & Friends Catnip (30g) Mew & Friends Catnip releases the "feel good" hormones to encourage play, exercise and reduce boredom and anxiety. 10% of all profits are donated to animal shelters. Catnip is 100% natural, organic and sustainably produced in the UK for extra freshness, hence the slightly higher price tag. Mew & Friends is a family-run business that grows their own strain of high-potency catnip on Grade 1 agricultural land, free of nasty pesticides. Everything is handpicked, naturally dried and hand-sifted to ensure large stalks are removed. Packaging is environmentally friendly with resealable paper bags. While I haven't tested this catnip - or many others due to my unresponsive cats - I can speak to the quality of Mew & Friends having bought other products from the company. That being said, it helps to stimulate many cats into becoming more playful and chilled out. Check out my review of Mew & Friends Silvervine Powder for more. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 Based on 3,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Sustainable UK farming. ✕ Strong aroma might put some cats off. ✓ Fresh and organic. ✕ More expensive than other brands. ✓ Finely ground.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mew & Friends Catnip Spray (60ml) Mew & Friends Catnip Spray can energise most cats by providing a burst of playfulness, usually followed by relaxation and contentment. For endless fun, shake well and spray on cat toys, beds and scratchers to encourage interaction. Another natural and organic product from the UK-based brand, Mew & Friends Catnip Spray contains a well-balanced mixture of water and a small percentage of catnip oil. This ensures the spray isn't too strong and safe to use, while providing instant attraction wherever it's applied. As with the dried blend, many cats feel the effects of this spray but it's reported to be less effective overall. Some people complain about the awkward shape of the bottle and leakage. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Grown in the UK. ✕ Not as strong as dried blend. ✓ Safe and effective. ✓ A little goes a long way. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ STARROAD-TIM Edible Catnip Balls These 3-in-1 Catnip Balls are made from natural plant fibres without any additives or preservatives. Flavours include catnip, insect gall fruit, silvervine and cat sugar (isinglass) to meet the different tastes of cats while stimulating play. It promotes appetite, aids digestion and the excretion of furballs; as well as cleaning teeth and reducing dental plaque. The double-sided tape design makes it easy to stick to smooth surfaces such as walls, tiles or glass; and balls rotate 360° so cats can lick from all angles. It comes with dust-proof covers and is available in multiple colours. I bought one of these to offer my boys a bit more variety, but it still wasn't enough to tempt them. The only flavour they entertained was the cat sugar, which sticks on separately and kind of looks like a giant nipple - maybe that was the appeal! Annoyingly, the "nipple" kept falling off and rolling down the stairs where I'd stuck the toy as a distraction to stop the cats from fighting on the staircase. You could say the distraction worked - just not in the way I'd hoped. Apart from that, the actual base didn't budge so it would definitely withstand more excitable cats. You can also purchase the catnip balls separately instead of one long strip, so if your kitties are responsive (unlike mine) then I highly recommend this fun and unique toy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1 Based on 3,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Choice of flavours. ✕ Cats may get bored. ✓ Many health benefits. ✕ Sugar falls off. ✓ Easy to use. ✓ Hygienic. ⭐⭐⭐ Pet Touch Catnip Fun Bubbles (2 x 120ml)   Pet Touch Catnip Bubbles contain natural catnip oil for stimulating playful behaviour and encouraging interactive play between cats and their owners. Bubbles are completely safe and non-toxic for cats and kittens - although, given what we know about kittens, they're more likely to respond to the bubbles themselves than catnip. It's only recently that I stumbled across catnip bubbles, despite my boys' excitement at normal bubble blowers - which is a surprise in itself, given that they're a couple of wimps that run away from their own shadows. The addition of catnip is a great play incentive, although it's more likely derived from catmint going off the minty aroma; but more than that I can appreciate the safety aspect. No more worrying about bubbles going into the cats' mouths or licking residues off the floor! It's fair to say that not all cats will be interested in the catnip aspect, given how mild it is; but if your kitty likes to jump and catch then this bubble blower will provide endless fun. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.9 Based on 100+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Non-toxic. ✕ Strong smell. ✓ Interactive play. ✕ May scare cats. ✓ 2 bottles. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Aibuddy Catnip Fish Chew Toy (4 Pack) Aibuddy Catnip Fish Toys are made from crystal fabric (sofas, bed sheets, etc) which is durable and bite resistant, ideal for chewing and scratching while protecting a cat's claws. Four brightly coloured fish are stuffed with PP Cotton, strong organic catnip and a bell for extra stimulation. Each fish measures 7.7in x 1.9in and is perfect for cats of all ages to grapple and bunny kick, as well as being great for teething kittens. These fish seem to go down well with cats that enjoy playing with soft toys, but opinions are mixed on durability. A lot of customers agree that the catnip isn't very potent but this doesn't detract from the entertainment factor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2 Based on 300+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Durable fabric. ✕ Loses potency quickly. ✓ Ideal for cats and kittens. ✓ Good size. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bojafa 3 Pack of Cat Catnip Toys These soft toys with an ultra cute design come in three bright colours and are just the right size for tossing into the air, grabbing and nuzzling. Durable cotton linen is breathable to allow cats to smell the catnip easily, and it has a slight texture to aid with teeth cleaning. Stuffed with soft PP Cotton and natural catnip, this is a safe and healthy boredom breaker for cats. I received a couple of these as freebies with another product, which were initially ignored until I sprinkled them with silvervine. Apart from the odd mouse, my boys have never played with soft toys! To see Drax throwing these around was hilarious, even if it wasn't down to the catnip. Toys have a little bit of weight and a small tail to get a really good swing. Customers appreciate the toys' suitability for cats of all ages and sizes but say there's not a great deal of catnip, and it wears off fast. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 Based on 6,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Cute and simple design. ✕ Low catnip content. ✓ Durable. ✓ Good for teeth. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6 Pack Catnip Mouse Toys This bundle pack of mice come in assorted colours and styles to attract a cat's attention. Made from plush and cotton with cloth eyes that won't fall off or risk accidental swallowing. Mice are filled with catnip to eliminate boredom, boost mood, provide endless fun and a healthy outlet for natural hunting instincts. The small size of these mice makes them great for batting, tossing and chasing like real prey. However, they may not withstand a lot of rough play and carry a risk of cats ripping the tails off - always check toys for missing parts to prevent accidental swallowing. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Potent catnip. ✕ Tails might come off. ✓ Good for chasing. ✕ Small and delicate. ✓ Ideal for kittens. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ SUPERFA 3 Pack Catnip Toys These catnip toys are designed to feel like a real fuzzy tail to unleash the hunter within and help cats to chase, catch, grapple and gnaw. Made from soft plush and filled with PP Cotton, catnip and crinkle paper for an extra crackle. Toys are safe for cats of all ages but made specifically for kittens, which means they're less durable and not suitable for aggressive cats. Remember, kittens under 6 months may not respond to catnip but that doesn't mean they won't enjoy this toy - in fact, many owners state that their cats love to grab and cuddle them! They're durable even when gnawed on, but timid kitties may not like the crackling sound inside. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2 Based on 500+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Designed for kittens. ✕ Noisy. ✓ Crinkle paper for stimulation. ✕ Not suitable for aggressive cats. ✓ Large size. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Catstages Krazy Kale Dental Catnip Cat Chew Toy Bring out the hunter in your cat with the Krazy Kale, perfect for batting, swatting and chewing. The toy is stuffed with catnip for an irresistible bite, with a crackly centre and mesh material that gently cleans teeth by removing soft plaque and tartar. Bright colours and additional feathers help to redirect kitty's behaviour away from furniture. I bought this as yet another attempt to entertain my lazy cats, for the simple reason that Drax likes the sound of crinkle balls and Simba occasionally plays with feathers. Of course, the "krazy-ness" didn't rub off on them, but this is still a worthy contender. The mesh material is soft but thick, with long fluffy feathers and a nice crackle when pressed - it's just a shame I was more excited about it than the cats! Other customers praise its durability, apart from the feathers which can be pulled off; and the toy being a little large for small cats. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 Based on 600+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Feathers and crinkle paper. ✕ Feathers come loose. ✓ Cleans teeth. ✓ Eye catching. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ WufWuf MyMeow Krazy Carrot Refillable Cat Toy The Krazy Carrot comes with ten catnip refill bags that you can easily insert into the toy. This fun design is sure to grab your cat's attention, while North American catnip stimulates play and reduces stress. High-quality materials are durable and able to withstand rough play, as well as being easy to clean by removing the bag and washing the toy. Also in this range are the Krazy Banana, Apple and Pear. All of them seem to go down well with cats, and you can also brew the catnip like real teabags for cats to drink! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 Based on 200+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Easy to clean. ✕ Catnip bag might fall out. ✓ Refillable catnip. ✓ Durable. ✓ Multiple designs. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ KONG Feather Catnip Mouse This toy mouse is made from premium scratch-resistant plush and comes with a vial of North American catnip. The shape is perfect for cats to carry around in their mouth, with realistic-looking feathers for extra stimulation. The mouse can be easily refilled with catnip to keep it fresh and full of scent so cats never get bored. Available in different styles. Four-legged customers of all ages love to fetch and carry this little mouse, and while the body is durable, some say the feathers don't last long. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Refillable catnip. ✕ Feathers come out. ✓ Realistic feathers. ✓ Small for carrying. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Catstages Squeak Squeak Mouse Plush Catnip Toy   The Squeak Squeak Mouse looks and sounds realistic to keep cats engaged and stimulated. The touch-activated squeaker goes off for 1 second each time the mouse is batted or swatted before automatically turning off. This interactive toy is small and easy for carrying or chasing, with added catnip for an extra boost. It contains small parts and batteries so should be given under supervision. Some customers report problems with the squeak not working. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 Based on 900+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Realistic sound. ✕ Contains batteries. ✓ Small for carrying. ✕ Not suitable for cats that chew. ✓ Interactive. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yeowww Banana Singles Cat Toy This 7-inch banana might look like any other cat toy, but what makes it unique is that it's filled with nothing but 100% organic American catnip - no cotton or polyester fillings. The Yeowww banana is made from heavy duty cotton and coloured using vegetable-based dyes that are natural and non-toxic. This premium product is sure to put the kitten back into any old puss. Cats love the curve and size, which make it perfect for grabbing and bunny kicking; however, the material is said to be a little thin and easy to tear the stitches open. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 Based on 28,000+ Amazon reviews. ✓ 100% catnip filling. ✕ Easily torn. ✓ Safe and non-toxic. ✓ Suitable for all aged cats. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Aidiyapet Cat Toys for Indoor Cats This interactive play pack contains 1 x hanging catnip toy, 1 x hanging ball/feather toy and 1 x hanging mouse toy with bell - talk about versatile! Toys vary in size from small to medium, perfect for cats and kittens, and are made from non-toxic material that's safe to gnaw and chew. When hung they spin, flutter, swing and bounce to trigger natural hunting instincts and keep cats engaged for hours of fun. As with all hanging toys, these are best offered under supervision and removed when not in use to ensure excitable kitties don't get tangled. Furthermore, some customers say the string snaps; but it's easy to install on the correct type of doorframes and provides hours of entertainment. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2 Based on 100+ Amazon reviews. ✓ Diverse. ✕ Elastic might break. ✓ Includes 3 toys. ✕ Needs supervision. ✓ Interactive self-play. I hope you enjoyed these catnip recommendations - there are so many exciting options to choose from! Catnip is one of the hardest products to review with unresponsive cats, especially non-playful cats like my two couch potatoes. For those that do go crazy for catnip, there's so much variety that narrowing it down to these few will, hopefully, help out other kitty parents. If you're unsure about your cat's stance on catnip or can't seem to find "the one" then choosing a toy that most resonates with their play preferences will help to peak their interest. Source and origin of catnip helps to determine its potency, and customer testimonials are priceless. You can also use pointers in this article as to what makes a great catnip toy and some of the different benefits. Happy shopping! Information is accurate from November 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Have you tried any of these catnip toys? Do you have another recommendation or think any great products missed the list? Let us know in the comments!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on extensive research into products, brands, customer feedback and my own reviews wherever applicable. Most Recommended View ⇨ GoldenSun 3-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy 🥇  Top Recommended View ⇨ FurDreams Cat Roller Ball Tower 🥈 Best for Kittens View ⇨ Catstages Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play 🥉 Best Food Puzzle We often speak about the benefits of playtime for the domestic kitty, which can have many positive effects on the mind as well as the body. A combination of physical activity, mental stimulation and sensory enrichment can help to alleviate some common problems. The PDSA estimates that over a third of UK cats are overweight. With the exception of certain illnesses, such as arthritis and heart disease, it's usually a case of too much food and not enough movement! The sedentary lifestyle of house cats is a big culprit, especially those with limited space. Outdoor enclosures, catios, cat-proof fencing or walking cats on a harness and leash are all great options, but obesity isn't the only issue cats face. Boredom is a trigger for stress , which can lead to more serious illnesses and behavioural issues like aggression . For younger cats, playtime is essential for socialising and bonding - with both other cats and humans - and confidence building. This is especially true for cats that don't have littermates to learn from or keep them entertained. Modern-day life is busier now more than ever: work, chores and taking care of human family takes priority over our pets. This is where interactive toys come in useful, many of which are motion activated so cats can play at their own leisure, even when you're away from home. Some other benefits of interactive toys include: Stimulates natural hunting instincts and behaviours. A variety of options to suit individual play preferences (moving feathers, rolling balls, flapping fish, etc). No danger to wildlife. With such a huge array of cat toys on the market, including a growing range of interactive options, finding the right toy for your kitty can be time-consuming in itself. This rundown of some popular types of cat toys and games is essential reading if you're new to cat parenting or don't know where to start. Choosing the best toys doesn't rely on quality, durability and product reviews alone - it rests a lot on your cat's unique preferences. If kitty isn't excited by mice or balls, then rolling objects and squeaky toys will leave everyone feeling disappointed. Related post: How to Play with Cats of All Ages: Motivation Tips and Tricks That's why I've gathered a variety of well-researched options, some of which I've tested myself, to bring you the best interactive cat toys of 2025. Hopefully, there's something for everyone - or every kitty! 12 Best Interactive Cat Toys: Migipaws Interactive Cat Ball Set Catit Senses Play Circuit FurDreams Cat Roller Ball Tower GoldenSun 3-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy Pawaboo Interactive Cat Toy with Running Mouse Tyasoleil 3-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy PUHOHUN Interactive Feather Cat Toys PUHOHUN Hide and Seek Cat Ball Toy YVE LIFE Cat Laser Toy Nepfaivy Flapping Bird FeelNeedy 2-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy Nina Ottosson by Catstages Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play Best Interactive Cat Toys ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Migipaws Interactive Cat Ball Set Migipaws Cat Ball comes with different attachments for a more interactive experience. Accessories include a fluffy tail and mouse, or you can use your own cat's favourite toy for a unique DIY creation. The motion-activated ball lights up and starts rolling in random directions as soon as it's touched, stimulating your cat's natural instincts to chase and pounce. It can also be placed inside a cardboard box or paper bag to mimic the hunting of small animals, encouraging cats to explore their environment. The ball shuts down after 3 minutes until being activated again and is suitable for carpets, tiles and other hard flooring. It has a built-in USB rechargeable battery. Simple but dynamic, I highly recommend a rolling ball for every kitty toy box. However, this is reported to be very fast and a little noisy so could risk scaring timid cats. Customers state that it's less clunky on carpets, which is great to know that it functions on different textures - unlike some cheaper options. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 Based on 10,000+ Amazon reviews ✓   Comes with different attachments. ✕ Noisy. ✓   Lights up. ✕ May get stuck under furniture. ✓   Touch activated. ✕ Expensive. ✓   Rechargeable. It's no secret that I have a couple of wimplings at home, so I can acknowledge the scare factor of noisy toys for some cats and kittens. For this reason, I recommend Jodsen's Pack of Three Plush Balls as an alternative option. Balls come in a variety of colours and each makes a different animal noise (chirping, squeaking and croaking). They vibrate rather than roll and include a small compartment for adding catnip. Lightweight and fluffy, these are easy to whack and won't bash against furniture. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Catit Senses Play Circuit   This “peek-a-boo” track design stimulates the senses by allowing cats to see, hear, chase and swat the ball through the holes in the lids. Track pieces are clipped together in your chosen arrangement, and the green and grey balls are designed to attract a cat's attention by appealing to their limited colour vision . The Senses 2.0 Circuits can be built and rebuilt into different layouts, depending on how many you buy. Surprise your cat every few days with a fresh, innovative design to keep them entertained. Catit is a top-selling brand on Amazon, with 90% positive ratings from thousands of customers. As a proud owner of this product, along with the Catit Treat Puzzle , I can say the brand offers quality products at affordable prices. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 Based on 20,000+ Amazon reviews ✓   No losing balls around the house. ✕   Holes may be too small for large paws. ✓   Easy to assemble and clean. ✕   Limited play options. ✓   Multiple cats can play at once. ✓   No batteries. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FurDreams Cat Roller Ball Tower   The Roller Ball Tower has three track levels and one colourful ball on each tier. At 7.5 inches high, it's purrfect for kittens and multiple cats to play with together. Balls can be removed for chasing and batting around the floor. The tower is easy to assemble and dismantle for storage and has an anti-slip base. It's available in blue, pink or green. Customers find the toy to be quite stable, despite its lightweight design, and say it keeps cats entertained for hours. It can be left for cats to play with overnight without having to worry about battery life or leaving them unsupervised with electricals. Some report that the balls tend to get stuck on the tracks, which may lead to boredom. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 Based on 700+ Amazon reviews ✓   Kitten friendly. ✕   Balls get stuck on the tracks. ✓   No batteries or electrical parts. ✕   Won't appeal to all cats. ✓   Sturdy and lightweight.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐ GoldenSun 3-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy GoldenSun Interactive Cat Toy provides endless entertainment with multiple play modes: Spinning balls stimulate the senses with a wide, smooth track so paws don't get stuck. Feathers randomly popping out of holes for swatting and grabbing. Rotating butterflies encourage chasing and pouncing with two speed settings. Butterflies are made from fabric with no sharp edges to catch little eyes and noses. The smart toy has a timer that activates for 10 minutes every 3 hours and automatically turns off at night. Accessories include two butterflies, one ribbon, three feathers and lights for extra attraction. It's available in multiple colour options. Customers appreciate the different play modes and even when turned off, cats can still have fun with the balls. The rechargeable battery is said to last for a whole week, making it a great portable option. Some complain about the butterflies snapping and the toy not being sturdy enough to withstand rough play. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 Based on 900+ Amazon reviews ✓   Three play options. ✕   Butterflies can snap. ✓   Safe and durable. ✕   May topple over. ✓   Refill packs available. ✓   Good battery life. ⭐⭐⭐ Pawaboo Interactive Cat Toy with Running Mouse Pawaboo's hide-and-seek mouse captures your cat's attention by stimulating real movement. The mouse starts to rotate in irregular motion patterns for cats to hunt, stalk and swat when they spot it through the holes. Includes fast and slow speed settings for different activity levels and requires 3 AA batteries. This unique toy is designed with cat-friendly materials, shallow holes and smooth edges. That being said, some find that the small size prevents larger cats from sitting on top where the holes are, making it awkward to catch the mouse from a sideways angle. ⭐⭐⭐ 3.9 Based on 8,000+ Amazon reviews ✓   Best for small cats and kittens. ✕   Noisy. ✓   Available in multiple colours. ✕   Plastic mouse isn't realistic. ✓   Sturdy. ✕   No auto switch-off. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tyasoleil 3-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy Tyasoleil Interactive Cat Toy features a wand that slots into a rotating base with attachable feathers and worms. The unpredictable motion patterns mimic real-life prey, and there are three play modes to choose from: "Escape" where feathers fly through the air for catching and batting. "Hide and Seek" under the plastic cover for stalking and chasing. Affixing the base to a cat tree post.   The toy has slow, medium and fast speeds for cats of all ages. It runs for 5 minutes before going into auto-standby for 30 minutes to save battery life. As it's touch sensitive, cats can reactivate the toy by playing with it. The product has durability in mind, with reinforced gears and a strong conveyor belt to increase lifespan. The wand has a screw-in design to prevent snapping, while the fleecy base stops it from slipping on different flooring. It's also USB rechargeable. If you’ve read the Top 10 Products I Used to Help Reintroduce Fighting Cats then you may know I'm a fan of this product. While the motor is super quiet, most of the noise comes from the attachments spinning around under the plastic cover. This is entertaining without being overbearing and, by some miracle, helped to stop my cats from glaring at each other. It's not the kind of sound you want to hear while watching TV, but you can leave it in another room with the convenience of knowing cats can activate it themselves (after a few lessons!). My only gripe is that the cover gets a little rumpled which can stop the toy from rotating, and it's not great for spinning on carpets. However, the other play modes don't have this problem. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 Based on 800+ Amazon reviews ✓   Choice of oval or round cover. ✕   Better on hard flooring. ✓   Three play modes and speed settings. ✕   Need the correct screws for attaching to cat trees. ✓   Refills easily obtainable. ✓   Good battery life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ PUHOHUN Interactive Feather Cat Toy This interactive cat toy is designed to unleash the hunter within and features three gameplay modes: "Whack-a-Mole" with chicks popping in and out of the holes. Feathers spinning at the bottom. Multi-cat game, allowing multiple cats to play.   The toy has a silent design and automatic rest function, pausing for 5 minutes after 15 minutes of play. A 2-hour charge keeps cats entertained all day. Customers say their cats enjoy the different games and that it has a good battery life. Despite the quiet motor, the toy isn't as silent as it claims to be. It's also smaller than it looks and is easily pulled over, but the durable design prevents breakage. Some question value for money due to the small size. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 Based on 100+ Amazon reviews ✓ Three play modes. ✕   Small size. ✓  Quiet motor. ✕   Can be pulled over. ✓  Suitable for multiple cats. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ PUHOHUN Hide and Seek Cat Ball Toy   Puhohun Cat Ball is thoughtfully designed to mimic the motions and sounds of natural prey, with three speed settings and incorporated chirping sounds. The rechargeable ball is made from silicone with a collision-proof furry apron to ensure a quiet play experience. Simply place it inside the bag to provide endless fun without the hassle of losing balls, or it can be left to roll free around the floor if preferred. Some cats don't like the rustling sound of the bag, while others enjoy pouncing on it. However, the ball can become stuck if the bag gets rumpled or cats sit on it. It's said to motivate less playful cats and is large enough for multiple kitties to play at once. It also has a good battery life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2 Based on 700+ Amazon reviews ✓   Ball can be used inside or outside of the bag. ✕   Might scare some cats. ✓   Quiet, safe design. ✕   Ball can get stuck. ✓   Large enough for multiple cats. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ YVE LIFE Cat Laser Toy   This interactive laser toy has a silent dual motor that moves the laser point trajectory randomly rather than the usual circles, keeping cats engaged for longer. It has three speed modes (fast, slow and mixed) to meet the different activity levels of cats and should be placed off the ground to allow for a wider motion range. When the smart sensor detects your pet moving, it automatically works for 15 minutes before turning off. It has a sensing distance of up to 160 inches (4 metres) and can only be activated once every 2 hours. The toy is USB rechargeable and lasts for 2-3 days. While the random motion patterns are more entertaining, some customers would prefer a faster speed setting as their cats lose interest quickly. It's also said that a full charge doesn't last all day. Having bought this product myself, it's important to switch off the toy if it's not going to be used as the sensor will detect people as well as pets every 2 hours. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2 Based on 2,000+ Amazon reviews ✓   Quiet motor. ✕   Cats get bored easily. ✓   Random motion patterns. ✕   Short battery life if used all day. ✓   Different speed settings.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nepfaivy Flapping Bird When cats pat or bat this plush toy, the built-in touch sensor activates and it flaps its wings while chirping like a real bird. It has three types of flapping speeds, a lifelike appearance and sound for a more authentic hunting experience. After interaction, the bird stops moving until being touched to conserve energy. The bird is made from pure cotton and soft plush fleece, and it's designed to withstand biting and clawing. It benefits from a zip-up pouch where you can add catnip  for increased stimulation and stress reduction. The motor is hidden within the zip pouch and can be charged via the supplied USB cable and removed for cleaning. A 60-minute charge provides up to 200 movement cycles. It should be noted that the bird doesn't fly, but it does contain a hook attachment so it can be hung to mimic flying; although some cats find the large size and movements slightly overbearing. Available designs include a sparrow, woodpecker and sandpiper bird. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Based on 2,000+ Amazon reviews ✓   Mimics natural prey. ✕   Large size and noise might scare cats. ✓   Durable. ✕   Expensive. ✓   Catnip included. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FeelNeedy 2-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy This interactive cat toy can be hung over doors, cat trees or window frames with an adjustable spring clip, and the movement of the "prey" bouncing on the elastic rope stimulates a cat's predatory instincts. Ideal for when you don't have time to play with a feather wand or teaser. The toy comes with feather and mouse accessories, as well as a red laser dot for different play modes: Mode 1: red dot and feather/mouse start up together. Mode 2: feather and mouse only. After 5 minutes of operation, the toy will automatically pause for 4 hours but can be restarted anytime by pulling the rope, after which it resumes for another 5-minute session. It has a built-in rechargeable battery. The toy is equipped with two different lengths of rope, and the feather and mouse are made from durable, non-toxic materials. Customers say it's great for indoor cats and the laser is a nice touch; however, depending on how the toy is hung, the dot might point onto the wall instead of the floor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1 Based on 300+ Amazon reviews ✓   Touch activated. ✕   Laser can be unpredictable. ✓   Different play modes. ✕   Best used under supervision. ✓   Alternative option comes with 8pc teaser set. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nina Ottosson by Catstages Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play The Castages Buggin' Out Puzzle stimulates cats' natural foraging instincts with sixteen hidden treat compartments in an ultra-cute design. Difficulty levels vary from simple to advanced to challenge kitties and keep them mentally engaged. Puzzles can also be used to replace food bowls for daily feeding, preventing cats from eating too much or all at once. While humans use vision to navigate the world, cats use their keen sense of smell to gather information and problem solve. By providing your cat with daily treat puzzles, you're enriching their life in a way that other toys and activities don't. The product is made from food-safe materials with no removable parts so you don't have to worry about pieces being pulled off. It's also available in a variety of designs. Customers say the puzzle successfully slows down eating time and is an excellent engagement toy. While some consider it a fun boredom breaker, others say it's too easy to solve and may not be effective on cats that aren't food motivated. Occasionally, treats fall between layers of the puzzle and get stuck. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 Based on 18,000+ Amazon reviews ✓   Different difficulty levels. ✕   Too easy. ✓   Mentally stimulating. ✕   May not appeal to all cats. ✓   Helps weight management. Interactive toys are best used under supervision due to small batteries. Toys should be regularly checked for broken parts and replaced if necessary. Never leave electricals unattended while charging. Information is accurate from September 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Have you bought any of these interactive toys? Do you have another recommendation or think any great products missed the list? Let us know in the comments!

In this article: How to Calculate Calories in Cat Food How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? No one enjoys counting calories, and when it comes to our pets, we have the additional problem of not knowing what or how much they should be consuming. Some cat foods will give you the calorie content per cup, kilogram, 100g - or per can/sachet of wet food - but more often than not, we're left guessing. This doesn't pose much of an issue, since most owners don't know how many calories their cat should be eating. Most of us abide by the feeding instructions of any particular food, which are usually based on the weight or life stage of cats. However, it doesn't take into account other factors such as body condition, health status and lifestyle. For example, if your cat is obese and you're feeding it based on its current weight, then it'll continue being obese until you reduce its portion sizes. Likewise, a sedentary indoor cat won't require as many calories to burn off as an active outdoor cat. This lack of understanding leads to many domestic cats being overweight and developing associated health conditions. Related post: 5 Indoor Cat Foods Rated: Are They Really Worth it? Food manufacturers are partially to blame, with a lack of transparency regarding the ingredients going into food. In my previous post, I broke down the formula for calculating carbohydrates with a step-by-step example, as this information isn't included on a cat food label. As quoted on the FEDIAF website: " There exists no minimum level of carbohydrates which needs to be in pet food, but carbohydrates provide a concentrated source of dietary energy and dietary fibre. " What this really means is that grains and vegetables are used to bulk out food as a cheaper source of protein. Since it's not listed as an independent nutrient value, we have no way of knowing how much protein comes from animals and how much comes from plants. This isn't an issue with dogs, who've evolved to survive on a combination of both; however, cats are - and always have been - obligate carnivores. With some foods containing as little as 4% meat, it's crucial that we as owners take a closer look at what we're feeding our cats to prevent and avoid long-term health conditions. Research into the effects of carbohydrates in a cat's diet has mixed results, which you can learn more about here: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? How to Calculate Calories in Cat Food Work out the carbohydrate content While carbs aren't important for a cat's survival, we still need to know how many are in our cat's food in order to calculate the calories. We can do this using a simple formula. Find the analytical constituents section on your cat food label and add up the percentages of protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. Example: Protein 27% + Fat 16% + Fibre 2.5% + Ash 7% + Moisture 8% = 60.5% Subtract the total from 100: 100 - 60.5 = 39.5 This means the carbohydrate content per 100g of the example cat food is 39.5% If the percentage of moisture isn't listed then you can assume it's between 8-10%. For more tips and advice, including how to calculate nutrients on a dry matter basis, refer to this dedicated post: How to Calculate Carbohydrates in Cat Food and Understanding Dry Matter Basis Work out calories per gram Before we can work out the total amount of calories in cat food, we have to know how many calories are coming from protein, fat and carbohydrates. Each gram provides the following unit of energy: 1 gram of protein = 3.5 calories 1 gram of fat = 8.5 calories 1 gram of carbohydrates = 3.5 calories We know from the example in step one that the protein level is 27% , the fat level is 16% and carbohydrates are 39.5% . This means that in 100g of cat food, there are 27 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat and 39.5 grams of carbohydrates. To get the total amount of calories from these figures, we have to multiply them by the number of calories that each gram provides. Example: Protein: 1 gram of protein provides 3.5 calories. Since there are 27 grams of protein in this cat food, we multiply that number by 3.5 so it looks like this: 27 (grams) x 3.5 (calories) = 94.5 This means that 94.5 calories come from protein. Fat 1 gram of fat provides 8.5 calories. 16 (grams) x 8.5 (calories) = 136 136 calories come from fat. Carbohydrates 1 gram of carbohydrates provides 3.5 calories. 39.5 (grams) x 3.5 (calories) = 138.25 138.25  calories come from carbohydrates. Visit Add up total calories To find out the total calorie content, all that's left to do is add up the numbers above. 94.5 calories (protein) + 136 calories (fat) + 138.25 calories (carbohydrates) = 368.75 Therefore, this example cat food contains 368.75 calories per 100g. *Information provided by the manufacturer will be most accurate and may differ slightly from manual calculations due to unknown variables. The formula above is only a guideline if the calorie content of food is not stated on the packaging. How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? Now that you have a better understanding of what's going into your cat, you can go beyond generic feeding instructions and adapt the portion sizes according to your individual cat's requirements. You can find everything you need to know in this dedicated post: How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? If you need a little more help or prefer a quicker solution, I've linked some cat calorie calculators below that are free and simple to use. You'll need information such as your cat's age, sex, weight, activity levels and reproductive status, and the results will show your cat's total energy requirements. Online calculators may not be 100% accurate because all cats are different, much like humans, but it'll give you a better idea of how much to feed your cat. You should always consult with a vet if you're unsure, especially if the goal is weight loss/gain. It's important to monitor you cat's weight and overall health, ideally on a weekly basis to ensure they're getting sufficient calories. Use one of these calculators to get your cat's total maintenance energy requirements (MER): Purina MER Calculator for Cats UK Pet Food Cat Calorie Calculator You don't have to be an expert in feline nutrition to control what and how much your cats are eating. Many opt for commercial food over fresh or homemade because it's easier to understand, only it's not so easy when a lot of information and ingredients are hidden from us. Even commercial food needs a little tweaking to prevent issues like obesity, and I hope this article provides a step in the right direction! Have you started counting your cat's calories? I know it can be challenging at first, so feel free to leave a comment if you need any hints or tips.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: What Is a Pet Psychic? How Does Psychic Ability Apply to Our Pets? What Can Animal Communication Do for Me and My Pets? How Pet Psychics Use Telepathy to Speak to Animals More My Experience and What I Learned Where Can I Find a Good Animal Communicator? What Is a Pet Psychic? When we hear the term “psychic” we think of crystal balls, fortune telling and of course, spirit communication. While this may be an unconventional topic, most people are no stranger to extrasensory abilities, but fewer understand what it really means  to be psychic. That is, a way in which people perceive information by tapping into the energetic realm, as opposed to using the traditional five senses.   If you’re already familiar with this notion and want to skip ahead to my experience with an animal communicator, you can go straight here . A basic example, we can tell when a person is upset when they cry. Even if there are no words involved, we can physically see and hear the process - we might even cry with them. A psychic may claim to feel this sadness as if it was their own, or receive visions that are triggered by the emotions of another person (or animal) in order to interpret what’s going on their life: past, present and future. There are many different forms of psychic ability, such as clairvoyance and mediumship (channelling communication from the spirit realm) amongst others. Just as no two painters or writers are the same, a gift is what we make of it. If this subject fills you with scepticism then go ahead and skip this post. Personal beliefs, experiences and even religion will have a part to play in how any individual forms an opinion. I say it’s good to have questions, provided you can ask them with an open mind. How Does Psychic Ability Apply to Our Pets? Animal psychics, communicators or “whisperers” claim to have the ability to connect with animals on a telepathic level, both living and deceased, in order to understand their thoughts and emotions; which in turn may help us to understand their behaviour. What about language barriers , you ask? I won’t pretend to know all the answers, but I believe a psychic’s intuition plays a role. The language of energy is, supposedly, a universal one. Visit As you’ve probably guessed, I do have an interest in spirituality or the “paranormal” as it’s also labelled. As far as personal experiences go, I have plenty of ghost stories to tell that would require a whole other blog. I wouldn’t declare myself a psychic, but I’ve found since childhood that I’ve been sensitive to things of a spiritual nature. For me, seeking help from an animal communicator was no more abnormal than seeking the advice of a vet. I’m NOT comparing the two and your first point of call should always be a medical professional. Same as with humans, psychics are no substitute for a doctor and will not cure issues of a physical, mental, emotional or psychological nature. They are what you might call “therapy for the soul” and bringing the mind, heart and body into balance - but no one has to believe this. What Can Animal Communication Do for Me and My Pets? Now the serious stuff is out of the way, you might be wondering what a pet psychic or medium actually does and why you should contact one in the first place. Have you ever asked the question: what is my cat thinking? Does my cat love me? Is my cat happy? What does my cat need?   Of course you have, because there isn’t a cat parent in the world who hasn’t asked at least one of these questions! It’s not just limited to cats, psychics can work with any animal that’s willing to communicate. Maybe you have an anxious kitty and want to know how to make it more comfortable; maybe he or she cries whenever you leave the house and you need them to know that it’s only temporary - you will return! Cats are notorious for letting us know when they want something, how they want it, where they want it; but us dumb humans don’t always pick up on it. Is there a certain way your cat likes to be petted? Does it have a favourite toy or brand of food? Perhaps you have a dog that likes a particular route you take on its walk, a hamster that wants softer bedding, a bird that needs to spread its wings. Even the smallest things can make a huge difference to our pets, especially cats. As independent creatures, imagine how frustrating it must be to rely on a human for all of their daily needs - and not be able to tell us! If you're familiar with the story behind this blog then you'll know that delving into such a controversial topic isn’t just about creating a fascinating post. I had questions that no vet or specialist could answer. I needed  a solution to a long-standing problem between my squabbling cats. If not a solution, then at least some understanding of why this was happening. Why did my sweet boys suddenly hate each other? Read My Story for more. Animal Communication Made Easy  by Pea Horsley is essential reading for animal lovers who want to understand their pets. Includes a five-step method to create a deep, spiritual connection with any animal. If animal communication is a journey you wish to take, whether through a pet psychic or developing your own abilities, there's tons of information and resources to point you in the right direction. As with all extrasensory abilities, I believe it’s a gift that everyone possesses on some level - if only we can find the key to unlocking it. Reading a human’s energy, or even that of a spirit, we can assume there’s a common language. How does one converse with an animal? How does telepathy work when our pets can’t speak? It doesn’t seem plausible or logical, especially when we consider that a lot of psychics work remotely as well as face to face. Sometimes a photograph or object, such as a personal belonging, is enough to tune into the energy of a person or animal. How Pet Psychics Use Telepathy to Speak to Animals We contacted a lady in the UK (where I live) who offers animal communication sessions over phone call, video chat, email or in person for locals. I’ll say here that if your psychic is willing to show his or her face then it adds an element of trust and respectability to their brand. Samantha Milns of thesnowleopard.co.uk is an experienced healer, teacher, empath and animal communicator; and she put us at ease from the first second of our call. Samantha explained that she communicates with animals by tuning into them telepathically (apparently this is how your pets communicate with each other!) and the animal provides information in the form of visions, thoughts, words, feelings, sensations and emotions. This can help to uncover any issues from the animal’s perspective, which in our case was getting to the root of Drax’s aggression.   Samantha also provides various (energetic) healing techniques such as reiki and shamanic healing in order to ease or relieve symptoms - which is by no means a cure. Just as a human might turn to holistic approaches to illnesses and/or disease, it’s no substitute for medical intervention. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting pets checked over by a qualified vet. It's also worth mentioning that animals, especially cats, have a mind of their own and cannot be forced to behave a certain way. It’s not as simple as telling your pets to stop fighting or keep off the kitchen counters. Samantha is transparent in the sense that, rather than telling her clients what they want to hear, her job is to relay whatever an animal has to say - for good or bad. Communicators are merely channels between a pet and their human guardians. My Experience and What I Learned In the same way that psychics can provide information on our personalities, Samantha began the session by describing Drax and Simba as further reassurance that she was connecting with them psychically. Imagine sitting down with a complete stranger and having them describe your child’s character traits, likes, dislikes, habits and hobbies. As if they know them almost as intimately as you do - crazy, right?   If you’re thinking that cats are all basically the same, then I pity you and your cat because you clearly don’t spend enough time getting to know the wonderfully unique creatures they are. I have to praise the accuracy here, even my slightly sceptical dad was convinced of Samantha’s gift. From Drax’s simple, laid-back nature to Simba’s wimpy (and occasionally bratty) tendencies, there really wasn’t anything to doubt or disagree with. I hadn’t given away any information prior to this; all Samantha had was a photo of the boys and, for the purpose of the session, a vague mention of Drax’s aggression. Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting   If you still have doubts then I can say that, during the conversation, we asked if the cats were bored of living indoors. Did they need more enrichment or stimulation, more toys, more anything? Samantha assured us that there was no such boredom, they were happy as indoor cats and were actually scared of going outside - which we already know. Yet the most astounding part was when Drax gave her a vision of his favourite toy: a strip of gossamer. Okay, not strictly a toy but a fun thing to roll around in, sleep on and chase when wafted around. As I said, he’s a simple boy - and this was the exact word Samantha used to describe him. Had she picked out a mouse or feather wand then you could call it a lucky guess, but there’s nothing predictable about a piece of fabric. To pick out the exact material is the icing on the cake. To all of you debunkers out there: no, I don’t post photos of my cats all over social media for anyone to see, and this site didn’t exist at the time.   Back to the session, Samantha was able to pick up on Drax’s emotions and described him as being very scared, nervous, agitated and confused. It all revolved around another cat but, thankfully, it wasn’t Simba. She confirmed our suspicions that he’d seen an intruder, but sightings weren’t the problem; it was the smell. According to Drax, this cat had been urine spraying on or around the house, possibly in the back yard, and its scent had got inside. My guess is that people had been bringing it in on their shoes and, in short, it was driving him nuts. Samantha - or rather, Drax - described the smell as being “everywhere”. The strangest part of all, when Samantha asked if there was a pair of shoes near the front door (which there was) Drax walked up to the shoes, sniffed them and then SAT on them - as if he’d heard every word of the conversation. Knowing what we know about redirected aggression , which I suspect became territorial in Drax’s case, it was just his way of coping with the stress. Samantha also picked up on Simba’s behaviour, that he was rather pissed off at being the brunt of Drax’s aggression and wanted nothing to do with him. On a positive note, it wasn’t a case of they simply hated each other. Samantha felt that they still had a bond deep down, which is the best I could have hoped for given the situation. Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats I was searching for something, anything , to work with that meant I didn’t face the heart-breaking task of rehoming one of the boys. Samantha expressed that, as far as the cats were concerned, this wouldn’t be an ideal solution because they still needed each other around. Again, if you refer back to My Story then you’ll know they enjoyed their own space, but would often go searching for each other to engage in some brotherly hang-out time. Visit Whether you choose to accept or reject psychic advice is down to your own discretion. As I’ve stated so many times throughout this site, I sensed that the spats between Drax and Simba were nothing personal. It was completely uncharacteristic and there were moments when they’d go back to playing as if nothing had changed.   If I genuinely believed that living together wasn’t safe or it was affecting their emotional wellbeing, I’d have to make a very difficult decision. Similarly, I wouldn’t automatically rehome one of them on the say so of a psychic - or anyone, for that matter! I know my cats, and it just so happened that everything Samantha was saying resonated with my own feelings and suspicions. Related post: Signs of Stress in Cats, Causes and Treatment We also had lots of laughs during this three-way conversation between the cats, Samantha and ourselves. You can literally ask anything and the communicator will “translate” the answers given by your pet. If you thought kids were unashamedly honest then wait until you hear what animals have to say! Drax seems to have quite the sense of humour, describing his new urinary food as “disgusting” and challenging us to eat it ourselves. If you’re struggling to comprehend how animals can verbally communicate, you’re not alone. As if telepathy wasn’t X-Men enough, hearing that cats can speak our human language may be the point at which you finally click off this post. I wouldn’t blame you and I can only pass on what small amount of insight I’ve gleamed from this experience. Being on the same energetic wavelength or "frequency" as an animal allows the psychic to tune into their thoughts, feelings and emotions, which is interpreted into a language we understand. Can your cats “speak” English? Probably not, but I’m just a dumb human so what do I know anyway? Drax had a lot of negative energy that Samantha cleansed from his system to help him get his head straight. She also reassured him that he was safe, secure and protected - there was no way this intruder cat was ever getting into the house. When Samantha asked Simba if there was anything she could do to smooth his relationship with Drax, he told her in no uncertain terms that: “He (Drax) can sod off!” Sounds like something a cat would say, right? As I’ve highlighted, we can’t make demands of our pets and the best Samantha could do was to help him work on his confidence. The less nervous he was around Drax, the better they’d get on in general. When Samantha asked Simba if he wanted to be rehomed, his response was: “I’m not going anywhere. He’s the problem, he (Drax) can sod off!” Again with the sodding off - how very British! And so VERY Simba. Overall, the cats expressed that they were happy with their lives and their only request was a few more open windows. Outside may have been too scary to venture, but a nice breeze was enjoyable enough. Samantha made no promises that their relationship would ever be as it once was, but I was prepared for that. Ending the fighting was my main concern, and the effects of Samantha’s energetic healing were instantly visible. Even as we were speaking on the phone, Drax plodded into the living room and lay down in front of me with a dreamy look in his eyes. He was unbelievably relaxed and, no joke, his fur was soft as cotton wool. He spent a good ten minutes grooming himself before taking a long nap on a comfy chair. For reference, it’s rare to see him downstairs during the day - let alone asleep in the living room. He'd been showing a lot of unrest in the previous weeks but his pacing back and forth soon came to an end. He paid no attention to Simba, none of the usual staring or stalking, and Simba seemed to grow a (tiny) pair of balls. In the weeks following, Drax became desperate to play - which was better than fighting - but it took a long time for Simba to accept his brother’s friendship. The spats continued to happen but less frequently, and far less severe. It’s important to remember that there are no miracle cures or magic wands here. This enlightening experience was part of a process and there was a lot of work for us humans to do, too. This largely consisted of disinfecting the yard and house to remove all traces of the intruding party, and from there things continued to slowly improve. While I do believe in animal communication and that we really were connecting to the boys, even if I didn’t believe it, there’s no doubting that without Samantha’s guidance, we may never have got to the root of Drax’s problem. If you’re still sceptical or want more proof then go ahead and book a session. Seeing is believing! Where Can I Find a Good Animal Communicator? When we talk about psychics, it’s easy to picture a gypsy-like woman sitting behind a crystal ball with a deck of tarot cards - and there’s nothing wrong with that, provided she’s reputable. If your car needed fixing then you’d spend a fair amount of time researching local garages, reading reviews, gathering quotes. No one likes a scammer and finding a legitimate psychic is, in theory, no different to anything else. Tarot cards and crystal balls are merely tools, similar to unconventional medicine. Homeopathy and aromatherapy have no real evidence to demonstrate effectiveness, yet both are widely used and accepted in spite of controversy. Our “proof” is in the senses, of which psychic ability uses a sixth and largely untapped one. Just because we can’t see, hear, smell, taste or touch something…. doesn’t mean it’s non-existent. A good place to start are platforms such as Etsy, Facebook or Gumtree, although I’ve never used the latter. I prefer Etsy as a safer bet with reviews from verified buyers, purchase protection, confidentiality and a more worldwide search option. As stated, most psychics can work remotely using a photograph to connect with you or your loved ones (pets included). You can also get readings via email instead of phone or video chat. Not all psychics will have credentials; after all, it’s not something you can typically study at your local college or university. Certificates of completed courses are always a good sign, whether it’s the study of tarot reading, reiki or other forms of energetic healing; but I don’t believe it’s necessary. An artist may not come with a degree but that doesn’t mean the talent isn’t there. Sometimes, honing the skills we already have is sufficient enough. The most important thing to look for is reviews and feedback from former clients. Do they have a website or social media presence? Are their clients based locally or internationally? Do they appear in any articles, blogs or magazines? Not everyone has to be a celebrity, we’re really looking for a positive reputation. While we’re on the subject of psychics, perhaps you can let your intuition pick one! Naturally, the more in demand a service or product is, the higher the prices will be. Psychics that work with celebrities may charge a fortune just because they can, with a waiting list to prove it. The advantage of Etsy is that prices start from as little as £5-£10, which isn’t to say the quality of readings is any less than a £100 session. Many people use Etsy as a starting platform to showcase their brand, build a loyal client base and gather reviews. Whether you go for a selling platform like Etsy, a broader Google search or word of mouth, the most important thing is to do your research. If necessary, start off small with a basic email reading to get a feel for what you’re purchasing. Even if you don’t find it helpful or come away from it even more sceptical than before, the most you’re going to lose is a few quid out of your wallet. It will cause no harm to pets and, best-case scenario, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your cats. My best advice is to take the experience and form your own conclusions. Do you have any experiences or recommendations to share regarding animal communicators? Do you believe you have the "gift" or a special connection to your pets? Comment and spread the word!